Manage delayed flights

To find out the most up-to-date information about the status of your flight: 

  • Go to the Trips page or the Perk app. 
  • Go to the airline's website or app.
  • If you are already at the airport, go to the check-in desk or gate, check the screens, or ask airport staff.
  • Search using your flight number on Google. 

When Perk is notified of flight delays or date/time changes (schedule changes), we contact the travelers and the booker to provide information about the changes and your available options.

Options for delayed flights

If your flight is delayed, there are generally two options, depending on the length of the delay:

Note: Definitions of long and short delays vary by airline. This is general guidance. 

 

Wait for the flight to depart

If the delay is less than 5 hours, you'll generally have to wait for the flight to depart, and you won't be entitled to a free change or a full refund.

If the delay is the airline's fault or within its control, they may offer you meals and refreshment vouchers. You'll need to ask the ground staff at the gate or airline counter about this, and they will provide you with the vouchers.

If they don't offer you anything and you purchase food or drinks, keep all receipts, as you might be entitled to reimbursement later.

If you have an overnight delay, some airlines provide hotel accommodation and transport between the hotel and the airport. The airline should arrange this automatically. If they don't assist you, contact Perk. 

Note: If you are flying shorter distances and/or with low-cost airlines, it's unlikely that you'll be provided with any form of compensation. This is dependent on the airline's policies and the country's laws. 

 

Rebook or refund

If the delay is more than 5 hours, the airline may offer to put you on the next available flight, offer a refund, or provide other compensation. This is entirely at the airline's discretion and is based on its policies and the local laws.

If you are at the airport already, talk to the airline staff and ask them what your options are. You can also access your booking on the airline's website and check if any options are available. If you need any assistance, contact Perk.

Here is an example: In the EU, a delay of 5 hours or more is considered a significant schedule change, and there are laws requiring monetary compensation.

Tip: Perk can't help with claiming compensation, but you can contact our trusted partner AirHelp, who can help with your claim. 

Schedule changes

Sometimes airlines change the date and time of your flight in advance. For time changes of more than 5 hours, you may be eligible for a full refund or to reschedule your flight.

If you are not happy with the new flight, don't accept it. Access your booking on the airline's website and check the available options. If you are already at the airport, talk to the airline staff and ask them to help. 

If the airline notifies you before your flight, you can contact Perk, and we'll check your options. This is entirely dependent on the airline's schedule change policies. 

Missed connections

For full details about what to do if you miss your connection, see Manage missed flight and connections.

Informing hotels or rental car companies about delays

  • Hotels: Once you confirm the delay, call the hotel immediately and let them know your new estimated arrival time. This prevents them from marking you as a no-show, releasing your room, and potentially charging you a penalty. 
  • Rental Cars:  Once you confirm the delay, call the rental car company and notify them of your new arrival time. This will help to guarantee your car will still be available, as many rental companies only allow the car to be kept for a few hours past the original pickup time. 

You can find the contact details for other services on your trip in your confirmation email, on the Trips page. or Perk app. 

If you need assistance contacting hotels or rental car companies, contact us. 

Was this article helpful?