Flight canceled this holiday season? Here’s what you owe.

On By Pranco

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Thousands of Americans are getting ready to take to the skies for the cold-weather holidays, and invariably some of their flights will be canceled. If this happens to you, you may be entitled to a refund if you choose not to travel, or you may be eligible for other compensation under commitments various airlines have made to the Department of Transportation, if you comply.

A new DOT rule that went into effect in late October requires airlines to be made more responsible for meeting their own customer obligations when something goes wrong.

Here’s what you need to know.

What is a verifiable cancellation?

According to the DOT, a manageable cancellation is one caused by the airline itself. Controllable reasons include maintenance or crew issues, cabin cleaning, baggage loading and refueling. Things like weather or air traffic control programs don’t count for the airline.

What am I entitled to if my flight is cancelled?

If your flight is canceled for any reason, whether under the airline’s control or not, you are entitled to a refund if you choose not to travel. If you decide to hang in there, you may still be entitled to some compensation or accommodation, including free rebooking to another flight or airline, meal and accommodation vouchers for eligible delays, and other benefits.

No US airlines currently offer cash compensation for delays, but the big four (American, Delta, Southwest and United) all offer hotel and ground transportation vouchers for overnight stays due to a flight cancellation.

The DOT has one dashboard which outlines the policies of all major US airlines.

What should you do if your flight is cancelled?

It is best to learn about your airline’s policies before your trip and be your own advocate. Contact the airline in any way possible, via the app, via social media, by phone or at the airport helpdesk if you are already on the road. It’s usually a good idea to have some alternative flights in mind when speaking to an agent, and make sure you ask about any accommodation or refunds you may be entitled to if you plan to use making this policy.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].