Flight Disruptions: Schedule Changes and What to Do

Flight disruptions — including schedule changes, delays, and cancellations — can happen for many reasons, from weather to airline operational issues. This guide explains what to do if your flight is affected and who to contact.

How will I know if my flight is disrupted?

If the airline changes your flight schedule, you will typically be notified by:

• Email from us or the airline with updated flight details.
• Updated information on your My Trip page at bookingduo.com/my-trip.

We recommend checking your My Trip page regularly in the days before departure, especially if you receive any notification about a change.

What types of disruptions can occur?

• Schedule change — the airline moves your flight to a different time or date. This can range from a few minutes to several hours.
• Flight cancellation — the airline cancels your flight entirely. You may be offered an alternative flight or a refund.
• Delay — your flight departs later than originally scheduled. Short delays are common and usually resolved at the airport.
• Route change — in rare cases, the airline may change the aircraft type, add a stopover, or alter the route.

Should I contact BookingDuo or the airline?

This depends on the situation:

Contact BookingDuo first for:

• Schedule changes or cancellations that you were notified about before the day of travel
• Rebooking onto an alternative flight
• Requesting a refund due to a disruption
• Any questions about your booking or itinerary

Contact the airline directly for:

• Issues at the airport on the day of travel (check-in problems, boarding, gate changes)
• Delays or cancellations announced at the airport
• Lost or damaged baggage at arrival
• Meal vouchers or hotel accommodation during long delays

As your booking agent, we handle most pre-departure issues. The airline handles operational matters at the airport.

What can I do if my flight is cancelled?

If your flight is cancelled by the airline:

1. Check your email and My Trip for updated information or alternative options.
2. Contact us — we can help you rebook onto another flight or arrange a refund if the disruption makes your trip unfeasible.
3. Know your rights — for flights departing from an EU airport, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004. This can include rebooking, refund, and in some cases financial compensation depending on the distance and delay.

What if the schedule change is minor?

Minor changes (a few minutes to a couple of hours) are common in the airline industry. Your booking remains valid and no action is needed on your part. The updated times will be reflected on your My Trip page and in your e-tickets.

What if the schedule change makes my trip unfeasible?

If a major schedule change significantly affects your plans — for example, an overnight departure moved to the afternoon, or a connection that no longer works — contact us. Depending on the airline's policy, you may be eligible for:

• Rebooking onto a different flight at no extra cost
• Full refund of the affected flights

Am I entitled to compensation for disruptions?

Your rights depend on where your flight departs from and the airline:

• EU flights — flights departing from an EU airport (or arriving at an EU airport on an EU airline) are covered by EU Regulation 261/2004. This regulation provides for rebooking, refunds, and compensation of up to €600 depending on the circumstances.
• Non-EU flights — rights vary by country and airline. Check the airline's conditions of carriage for details.

Compensation claims for EU261 should be directed to the airline, as they are responsible for the disruption and the payment of any compensation due.

Tips for dealing with flight disruptions

• Keep your contact details up to date — make sure the email and phone number on your booking are correct so you receive notifications promptly.
• Check My Trip regularly before departure for any updates to your flight schedule.
• Download your e-tickets early when they become available (typically 72 hours before departure).
• Arrive at the airport on time even if you expect a delay — schedule changes can happen last minute.
• Keep receipts for any expenses incurred due to a disruption (meals, transport, accommodation) — you may be able to claim these back from the airline.

Quick summary:

• Check My Trip and your email for disruption updates.
• Contact BookingDuo for rebooking or refunds before departure.
• Contact the airline for issues at the airport on the day of travel.
• For EU departures, you may have rights under EU Regulation 261/2004.
• Need help? Submit a support request.