Am I entitled to a hotel if an airline cancels my flight?

Is it even fair to ask for a hotel when my flight gets canceled? I mean, seriously, who hasn’t been there? Stuck in some random airport, flight board flashing CANCELLED like a bad omen. Ugh. It’s the absolute worst.

In my experience, it really depends on the airline. Some are angels. Like that time I was flying back from visiting my grandma, and a blizzard grounded everything. Boom! Hotel voucher, meal vouchers, the whole nine yards. Didn’t even have to ask! Others… well, let’s just say they act like you’re asking for their firstborn child just for a measly bottle of water. Remember that time I was stranded in Denver? Nightmare. They practically blamed me for the mechanical issues! Can you believe that?

So, the short answer is, they should provide a hotel, especially if the cancellation is their fault (which, let’s be honest, it usually is!). Think weather delays, mechanical issues, crew shortages… you get the idea. But it’s not a guarantee. Think of it like this: you’re entitled to ask, absolutely. Be polite, of course, but don’t be a pushover. Know your rights! (Although, who actually knows all those complicated airline regulations, right?) Be firm, persistent. Sometimes you gotta fight for what’s right, especially when you’re tired, grumpy, and just want to get home. It’s exhausting, I know, but it can seriously pay off. A comfy bed and a hot shower after a flight cancellation? Priceless.