What To Do if You’re on a Diverted Flight?

Flight diversions are unexpected and stressful. Here’s what you need to know when your plane lands at an unplanned destination:

• Reasons for a diversion.
• What to do when your plane is diverted.
• Know your rights, options and next steps to navigate the situation smoothly.

Flight diversions happen when a plane needs to land at an airport other than its intended destination. This isn’t an ideal situation but there are things you can do to minimize the disruptions to your travel! Here’s what you need to know about why flights divert, what your rights are and what you should do if you’re on a diverted flight.

Reasons for flight diversions

These unplanned changes happen for various reasons:

Weather conditions

Severe weather is one of the most common reasons for a diverted flight. Thunderstorms, hurricanes, snowstorms, or dense fog makes it unsafe for planes to land at their scheduled airports.

Medical emergencies

If a passenger or crew member experiences a serious medical issue during the flight, the plane may divert to the nearest airport with appropriate medical facilities.

Technical issues

Mechanical problems or system malfunctions might require an immediate landing for safety reasons.

Security threats

Potential security risks, such as unruly passengers or suspicious items, can lead to plane diversions to handle the situation safely.

Air traffic congestion

Sometimes, heavy air traffic at the destination airport can cause diversions to nearby airports to manage the flow of aircraft.

What to expect during a flight diversion

When your flight is diverted, here's what typically happens:

1. The pilot will announce the diversion and give a brief explanation.
2. The plane will change course and land at an alternative airport.
3. Passengers usually remain on board while the airline determines next steps.
4. The airline will decide whether to wait out the issue or make arrangements for passengers to reach their final destination by other means.

Flying in the US

Your rights and options as a passenger flying in the US

When flying within, to, or from the United States, your rights during a flight diversion are protected by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

Rebooking

Airlines are required to rebook you on the next available flight to your destination at no additional cost. This will typically be on the same airline, but could be on a partner airline or non-partner airline (especially if you hold elite status with the airline you were originally flying). If the next flight with an available seat isn’t the next flight, you might be placed on standby on the next flight and get a seat at the last minute if it’s available.

Accommodation

If the plane diversion results in an overnight stay, many airlines will provide hotel accommodations and meal vouchers. However, this isn't legally required if the diversion is due to circumstances beyond the airline's control, such as if your flight is diverted due to weather.

Compensation

Unlike in the EU, there are currently no federal laws in the US requiring airlines to compensate passengers for flight diversions. However, some airlines may offer compensation as a gesture of goodwill, especially if the diversion was due to a reason within their control.

Flying outside the US

Your rights and options as a passenger flying outside the US

Rights and compensation for diverted flights vary significantly depending on the country and applicable regulations.

EU Flights

For flights within the EU, or flights departing from or arriving in the EU on an EU-based airline, passengers have strong protections under EU Regulation 261/2004:

Right to care (meals, refreshments, communication)

• Accommodation if an overnight stay is necessary.
• Potential compensation of up to €600, depending on the circumstances and flight distance.

Other regions

Many countries have their own passenger rights regulations. Check the specific rules for the countries involved in your itinerary.

Travel insurance

Having travel insurance provides additional coverage for expenses incurred due to flight diversions, regardless of where you're flying. Check your policy details for coverage related to travel disruptions. Your credit card may have limited built-in travel insurance that includes flight delays.

Tips on what to do when your plane is diverted

1. Stay calm and follow crew instructions.
2. Keep your essential items (medication, important documents, chargers) in your carry-on bag.
3. Stay informed by listening to announcements and checking the airline's app or website for updates.
4. Be patient but proactive – politely ask airline staff about your options if information isn't forthcoming.
5. Document your experience, including any expenses incurred, in case you need to file a claim later.
6. Use airport Wi-Fi or your phone to inform friends, family, or your hotel about the delay.
7. If rebooking is necessary, try using the airline's app or website to avoid long lines at customer service desks. Also call the airline because service via phone could be faster.
8. Be flexible and consider alternative routes or nearby airports to reach your destination.
9. If you're stuck at the airport for an extended period, look for airport lounges – some credit cards offer complimentary access.
10. Remember that while diversions are inconvenient, they're always done with passenger safety in mind.

By understanding the reasons for flight diversions, knowing your rights and being prepared with these tips, you’ll be able to navigate this unexpected situation more smoothly. Remember, safety is the top priority in aviation and diversions, while disruptive, are sometimes necessary to ensure everyone's well-being.