A diversion means your flight has landed somewhere other than where it was going. It is unsettling, especially when the crew has little information to share. Most diversions end with the flight continuing to its destination a few hours later. Here is what can happen, and what you can do.
Why flights divert
- Weather at the destination, such as thunderstorms, fog or strong winds, so the aircraft cannot land safely.
- A medical emergency on board.
- A mechanical problem that needs checking on the ground.
- Fuel. Holding for a long time near a busy or storm-hit airport uses fuel, so the aircraft lands elsewhere to refuel.
- Air traffic control or the destination airport closing, for example because of a runway problem.
What usually happens next
- Wait and continue. The most common outcome. The aircraft refuels or waits for the weather to clear, then flies on, often with passengers staying on board.
- Deplane and wait. If the wait will be longer, you may be let off into the terminal. Stay near the gate and keep checking the airline's app.
- The flight is cancelled. If the crew runs out of legal duty hours, or the aircraft cannot continue, the airline cancels the flight and rebooks passengers. That might be on a later flight, or occasionally by bus if the destination is close.
If you are kept on board
The federal tarmac delay rules apply at a diversion airport too. The airline must provide food and water within two hours, keep lavatories working, provide medical attention if needed, and give you the chance to get off before three hours on a domestic flight or four on an international one, unless there is a safety, security or air traffic control reason it cannot. See tarmac delay rules.
Your options
- Stay with the flight. Usually the simplest choice, especially if the airline expects to continue soon.
- Ask about a different flight. If the diversion airport has its own flights to your destination, ask whether you can be moved to one. Use the airline's app or phone line at the same time.
- Make your own way. If you diverted to an airport close to where you were going, driving may be quicker. Tell the airline before you leave, check what happens to your checked bags, and ask whether leaving affects the rest of your booking. See the airport pages for alternate airports and drive distances around each major hub.
Missed connections
If the diversion means you miss a connecting flight booked on the same ticket, the airline will rebook you at no charge. If you booked separate tickets, contact the second airline as soon as you can. See what happens if you miss a connecting flight and missed connection on separate tickets.
What the airline owes you
- If the flight is cancelled at the diversion airport, the cancellation rules apply: you can choose a refund instead of being rebooked. See refund or rebooking.
- If the cause was within the airline's control, such as a mechanical problem, its commitments for meals and an overnight hotel normally apply. See meal and hotel vouchers.
- If the cause was weather or a medical emergency, those commitments usually do not apply, though airlines often still help with accommodation if you are stranded overnight. Ask. Your own trip delay cover may help too.
Keep a record
Note the time you landed, what the crew told you and when, and keep any receipts. That helps with any claim later. See how to claim.
LateGate alerts you as soon as a flight you are watching is diverted.
This guide is general information for US travelers, not legal advice. Rules and airline commitments change; check with your airline or the US Department of Transportation for your specific situation.