What to Do If Your Flight Is Delayed or Canceled at CDG (2026 Advice)

Flight disruptions happen. Here's what you need to know about your rights and what to do when delays or cancellations occur at CDG.

Immediate Actions When Disrupted 1. Stay calm and patient 2. Check information displays at the airport 3. Contact your airline (call or app) 4. Visit airline customer service desk 5. Document everything with photos 6. Get written explanations if possible 7. Request accommodation if overnight 8. Know your compensation rights

Delay vs Cancellation Classifications Delay: Flight departs but with hours added to schedule Cancellation: Flight doesn't depart at all Minor delay: 0-2 hours Major delay: 2-3 hours Severe delay: 3+ hours

Your EU261 Rights (European Regulation) Apply if: - Flying from EU airport (CDG qualifies) - Flying to EU airport with EU airline - Delay of 2+ hours at arrival (or cancellation) - Airline responsibility (not force majeure)

EU261 Compensation Amounts €250: Flights up to 1,500 km €400: EU flights 1,500-3,500 km €600: Flights 3,500+ km outside EU

Compensation is mandatory UNLESS: - Flight delayed by more than 3 hours (in some interpretations) - Caused by extraordinary circumstances (weather, security) - Not airline's fault

What Airlines Must Provide Accommodation: Hotel if overnight stay needed Meals: Provided during disruption Refreshments: Food and beverages while waiting Communication: Phone calls/emails to family Rebooking: Next available flight (or alternative routing) Refund: Full ticket price if you don't want rebooking

How to Claim Compensation 1. Gather documentation: - Booking confirmation - Boarding pass - Flight information document - Photos of delay board

2. Contact airline directly: - Use their official complaint forms - Send via email (creates paper trail) - Keep all correspondence

3. Use flight compensation services: - AirHelp - Skycourt - Jammer - Others (but verify legitimacy)

4. Go to EU aviation authority (if needed)

What Constitutes "Extraordinary Circumstances" These typically don't qualify for compensation: - Extreme weather (snow, ice storms) - Security threats - Air traffic control strikes - Volcanic ash - Bird strikes - Military airspace closures

These still require support but may not mandate compensation. Recent CDG winter storms fell into gray area.

Dealing with Cancellations Your options: 1. Rebook on airline's next flight 2. Rebook on competing airline (with airline paying) 3. Full refund of ticket 4. Travel to later date (if available)

Take action EARLY before rebooking is overwhelmed. Recent CDG cancellations saw 6-8 hour waits.

Staying Informed During Disruption 1. Download airline mobile app (real-time updates) 2. Check official airport displays 3. Follow airline social media accounts 4. Sign up for SMS alerts 5. Call airline customer service line 6. Ask staff at customer service desk 7. Check email frequently

Document Everything Take photos of: - Departure boards showing delay - Airline communications - Boarding pass - Any receipts for additional expenses - Disruption timeline

Lounge Access During Delays Most lounges offer: - Complimentary access during delays - Ask customer service desk - Some air carriers provide access - Credit cards may offer delay access - Day passes available if not included

Managing Stress During Disruption 1. Find quiet area (prayer rooms if needed) 2. Eat and stay hydrated 3. Use restrooms regularly 4. Take breaks from crowd 5. Stay informed but don't obsess 6. Help fellow travelers if possible 7. Remember this will pass 8. Document for potential claims

Travel Insurance Considerations Comprehensive policies cover: - Delay of 12+ hours (€100-300) - Missed connections (rebooking costs) - Cancellation refunds - Accommodation during delays - Meals during disruptions

Check your policy for: - Minimum delay hours covered - Airline responsibility clauses - Weather event limitations - Claim procedures and deadlines

Pro Tips for Future Travel 1. Buy travel insurance for international flights 2. Arrive extra early during adverse weather 3. Book refundable tickets when possible 4. Keep credit card for emergency purchases 5. Know your airline's specific policies 6. Document boarding passes electronically 7. Register for airline delay alerts 8. Consider flexibility in booking 9. Take screenshots of confirmations 10. Know your compensation rights