Most of what decides how a disruption goes for you is settled before you leave home: which flight you booked, how long your layover is, whether both legs are on one ticket, and whether you know what your airline has promised to do.
None of it takes long. A few minutes of preparation is the difference between rebooking from your phone while everyone else joins the line, and finding out your options at the back of it.
The short version
- Earlier flights are less exposed to delays, and leave more later flights to fall back on.
- Book connections on one ticket and with more than the minimum layover.
- Know your airline's commitments and your backup flights before you need them.
Guides in this section
How to prepare for a flight delay or cancellation: a pre-trip checklist
What to do when you book, the day before and on the day, so a delayed or cancelled flight does not derail your trip.
The best time of day to fly to avoid delays
Why delays build through the day, and how to pick a flight that is less exposed.
How long should a layover be?
How to choose a connection time that survives a late first flight.
One ticket or separate tickets: what you give up to save money
What protection you lose when you book connecting flights separately.
What to pack in your carry-on in case of a delay
The short list of things that make an overnight delay manageable.
Trip delay cover: travel insurance and credit card benefits
What trip delay cover usually pays for, and what to check before you rely on it.
Check your airline's delay policy before you fly
Where to find what your airline has committed to, and what to look for.