Confirm what has changed
Check the operating airline’s app, flight notifications and official airport departure board. Ask whether the delay relates to the inbound aircraft, air traffic, weather or another operational issue. An estimated time is not a guarantee.
If you are connecting onward, notify the airline as soon as a missed connection becomes a possibility—especially if the itinerary is on one booking.
Document the disruption
Keep booking confirmations, boarding passes, airline emails and screenshots showing the expected and revised departure or arrival times. Retain receipts for reasonable expenses if the airline asks you to arrange food, lodging or transport.
Your actual arrival delay can matter more than the delay at the departure gate for some passenger rights schemes. Record when you reached the destination, where possible.
Check assistance and compensation separately
Depending on your route and carrier, you may have access to meals, communication, accommodation, rerouting or refunds. Financial compensation follows additional conditions and is not automatic.
Use the relevant regulator’s information to screen the journey, then submit a claim through the airline’s official channel if appropriate.
Policies and laws can change. Confirm urgent or booking-specific questions using the airline or regulator's official source.