How Delays and Cancellations Affect Your Points and Miles: What You Should Know

Few things are as frustrating as watching your flight get delayed or, even worse, canceled altogether. These disruptions don’t just derail your travel plans—they can also have consequences for the points and miles you’ve carefully accumulated. But how exactly do delays and cancellations impact your loyalty rewards?

How Flight Delays Influence Your Points and Miles

Flight delays can be an inconvenience, but what about your points and miles? Here’s how airlines typically handle delayed flights when it comes to rewards:

Do You Still Earn Points for a Delayed Flight?

In most cases, delayed flights won’t prevent you from earning points or miles. However, airline policies vary, and several factors can come into play, such as:

• • Length of the delay: Short delays typically have no impact, but longer delays could influence how miles are awarded.

• • Reason for the delay: Delays caused by the airline (e.g., maintenance issues) are more likely to result in full points accrual compared to delays caused by weather or other external factors.

• Airline-specific policies: Airlines have different rules on how points are awarded for delayed flights, so it’s worth checking your airline’s terms in advance.

Example: Points During a Delayed Flight

Let’s say you’re on a five-hour delayed Delta flight from New York to Los Angeles. Despite the delay, Delta’s policy allows you to earn miles based on the original distance flown. So even though your flight was delayed, you’ll still accumulate the full points for the journey.

How Cancellations Affect Your Points and Miles

Flight cancellations are trickier when it comes to miles, especially if you’ve used your points to book the flight. Here’s what you need to be aware of:

What Happens to Miles Used for a Cancelled Flight?

Most airlines will automatically refund your miles if a flight booked with points is canceled. However, it’s important to double-check the specific airline’s policies, as there may be variations in how refunds are processed.

Points Expiration Considerations

If you’re rebooked on a later flight after a cancellation, make sure to monitor your points balance. Some airlines may extend the validity of your points, but others might not, putting you at risk of losing them if they expire.

How Airlines Handle Points and Miles for Disrupted Flights

Policies for flight delays and cancellations vary across airlines, but here’s an overview of how some major U.S. carriers handle these situations:

Delta, United, and American Airlines

• • Delta: Offers automatic refunds for canceled flights, along with rebooking options via their app or website.

• • United: Allows passengers to change their flights without fees for delays or cancellations within 30 minutes of departure.

• • American Airlines: Provides compensation like meal vouchers or bonus miles for significant delays caused by the airline.

Protecting Your Miles in Case of Disruptions

Flight delays and cancellations can be unpredictable, but there are steps you can take to safeguard your miles:

Steps to Prevent Losing Points Due to Cancellations

• Stay up to date on the airline’s cancellation and points expiration policies before traveling.
• Keep your contact details current in your loyalty program so the airline can inform you of flight changes.
• Consider travel insurance policies that cover the loss of points due to disruptions.

Maximizing Your Miles After a Disruption

If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed, there are ways to still get value from your miles:

• • Rebook with an upgrade: Use the disruption as an opportunity to request an upgrade on a later flight using your miles.

• • Choose a new route: If your original flight is canceled, explore alternate destinations that may offer more rewarding mileage deals.

• • Ask for compensation: Politely inquire with the airline if they offer additional miles as compensation for major delays or cancellations.

Travel Insurance That Protects Your Points and Miles

Did you know some travel insurance plans can cover points and miles? Here’s what to look for:

Insurance Policies Covering Points Loss

Several travel insurance providers, such as Allianz Travel and World Nomads, offer policies that can reimburse the value of points or miles lost due to cancellations or significant delays. This protection can offer peace of mind, especially for frequent flyers with large points balances.

When to Consider Insurance for Your Points

• For high-value trips where a disruption would result in a large points loss.
• If you’re traveling during a peak season when delays and cancellations are more likely.
• If you have a significant points balance and want to safeguard them from potential disruptions.