Address immediate arrangements such as overnight lodging, meals, and/or other transportation.
Contact U-M to provide a status update and discuss next steps.
Immediate Steps After a Delay/Cancellation
Get in line at the your airline’s customer service desk, and call the airline’s support phone line while waiting.
Notify any support anticipating your arrival of any changes (i.e. program leader, airport transportation, etc.). If a delay causes you to miss a mandatory orientation or class start date, inform your host country contact immediately.
Know your rights: Refer to the U.S. Dept. of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection webpage or your airline’s official website to know what you are entitled to in the event of significant flight delay / cancellation. For EU and UK flights, you may be entitled to compensation for long delays within the airline’s control.
Additional Actions to Take
Determine whether your new travel plans will affect your program participation. Adjust lodging, ground transportation, and other reservations as needed, and notify anyone expecting your arrival.
If you miss your connection for a plausible reason (i.e. customs, previous flight delayed, etc.), contact the airline about rebooking on the next available flight. Many airlines will rebook passengers at no additional cost, although budget and regional airlines may offer fewer options.
Check whether financial assistance or reimbursement is available through your airline, travel insurance provider, travel credit card, or booking agency. Trip insurance may cover some travel disruptions. (Note this is different fromU-M Travel Abroad Health Insurance).
Save your updated itinerary, airline notices, boarding passes, and receipts for reimbursement, if applicable.
In Case of Emergency
In the event of flight delays, cancelations, or suspension due to a Political Emergency or Natural Disaster reasons, contact [email protected]and review the information on the In Case of Emergency website.
