Cold weather can disrupt even the most carefully planned trips, but you don’t have to worry about losing money if your flight gets canceled: U.S. airlines must offer refunds.

A monster stormBegan causing widespread disruption on Saturday in various regions of the country, with 12,200 weekend flights already canceled and more expected. Meteorologists cautioned that severe damage, particularly in areas hit by ice, might be comparable to that caused by a hurricane.

Here is a guide for winter travelers as flight delays increase:

Monitor weather predictions

If airlines anticipate adverse weather conditions that could disrupt flights, they frequently allow passengers to delay their travel for a few days without incurring a charge. Look up your airline’s name along with “travel alerts” or related terms online to find potential options for rescheduling.

For instance, American Airlines stated that it is eliminating change fees for travelers affected by the storm and is increasing additional flights across the country to assist passengers in reaching their destination once the storm has passed.

Check prior to heading to the airport

Check the airline’s app to confirm your flight is still scheduled before going to the airport.

Flight cancellations may occur hours or even days prior to the scheduled departure. For example, American and Delta Air Lines: By Saturday afternoon, each airline had canceled over 1,000 of their planned Sunday flights, as reported by flight tracking website FlightAware.

Oklahoma’s biggest airport halted all flights on Saturday, while Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, a key transportation center, experienced over 700 departing flights canceled and almost the same number of incoming flights postponed. Flight delays and cancellations were also increasing at airports in Chicago, Atlanta, Nashville, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Intensified disruptions were anticipated on Sunday, according to FlightAware data. By late Saturday afternoon, almost all flights planned to depart from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Sunday — 405 flights, roughly 95% — had already been called off. Significant disruptions were also predicted at airports in Charlotte and Atlanta, including the country’s busiest airport, as well as New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport, where 87% of Sunday’s departing flights had already been canceled up to that point.

My flight got cancelled, what should I do now?

If you are already at the airport, join the queue to speak with a customer service agent. If you are still at home or at your hotel, call or visit the website to reach out to your airline’s reservation team. In any case, it’s beneficial to look into other flight options while you wait to speak with an employee.

Most airlines will rearrange your booking to a later flight without any extra cost, but this is contingent on the availability of empty seats.

Can I be registered with a different airline?

You have the option, but airlines are not obligated to rebook you on a different carrier’s flight. Certain airlines, including many of the largest ones, mention they can transfer you to a partner airline, but even in those cases, it may not always be possible.

Am I entitled to a refund?

If your flight has been canceled and you no longer wish to proceed with your journey, or if you’ve discovered an alternative method of reaching your destination, the airline is legally obligated to provide a refund — even if you purchased a non-refundable ticket. The reason for the flight’s cancellation is irrelevant.

The airline could provide you with a travel credit, but you are eligible for a complete refund. You are also entitled to a refund for any baggage fees, seat upgrades, or additional services that you were unable to utilize.

When can I expect my refund?

If you used a credit card for payment, you should receive a refund within seven business days after rejecting an airline’s offer for an alternative flight or a voucher. If the ticket was paid for with a check or cash, the refund should be issued within 20 calendar days, as stated by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

What other expenses will my airline pay for?

U.S. airlines are not obligated by the Transportation Department to provide compensation for food or accommodation to passengers if a flight is canceled or delayed substantially due to an “uncontrollable” situation such as severe weather.

Each airline, nevertheless, has its own procedures for supporting passengers who are left in a difficult situation due to a so-called “manageable” flight cancellation or extended delay. These situations may result from maintenance problems, insufficient staff, or computer system failures that disrupt services. The Transportation Department can ensure airlines follow through on these promises and provides a website where travelers can view what each airline pledges in case a significant disruption occurs because of their responsibility.

Other tips

If the weather forecast is concerning, Kyle Potter, executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, recommends considering a secondary flight. Certain airlines are ideal as backup options, according to Potter, since they allow passengers to receive a full refund if they cancel within 24 hours of making the reservation.

If a severe storm causes multiple flight cancellations and delays, the customer service phone lines may become overwhelmed. If you’re traveling with someone who has a higher frequent-flyer status, use their priority number to contact the airline. Another tip: search for the airline’s international support number. These agents may be able to rebook your trip as effectively.

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