Your Credit Card Probably Covers
Flight Delays. Here's How to Claim.

Here's something most travelers don't realize: if you paid for your flight with a premium credit card, you very likely have trip delay insurance that covers up to $500 in expenses when your flight is delayed or cancelled. Most people never file a claim. That changes today.

Which cards cover flight delays?

What expenses are covered?

Trip delay coverage typically reimburses "reasonable expenses" incurred during the delay. This includes:

• Hotel rooms — if you're stuck overnight, a reasonable hotel is covered
• Meals — breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks during the delay period
• Ground transportation — taxis, rideshares, or rental cars to get to your hotel
• Toiletries and essentials — toothbrush, change of clothes if your bag is checked

What's generally NOT covered: alcohol (some cards exclude it), luxury purchases, pre-existing trip costs, or expenses that aren't directly related to the delay.

How to file a claim: the actual process

Step 1: Save every receipt

Starting the moment you learn your flight is delayed or cancelled, save every single receipt. Hotel, meals, taxi, toothbrush from the airport shop — everything. Take photos of receipts as backup. No receipt = no reimbursement.

Step 2: Document the delay

You'll need proof that your flight was actually delayed 6+ hours (or 12+, depending on your card). Screenshot the airline's delay/cancellation notification, the departure board, or any email/text from the airline. If you can get a written statement from the gate agent, even better.

Step 3: Call the number on your card

Call your credit card's customer service line (on the back of the card) and ask for "trip delay insurance" or "travel benefits claims." They'll walk you through the process and either send you a form or direct you to an online claims portal.

Step 4: Submit your documentation

You'll typically need to submit your credit card statement showing the trip purchase, airline communication confirming the delay, and all expense receipts. Most cards now have online portals that make this straightforward.

Step 5: Wait (and follow up)

Processing usually takes 4-8 weeks. If you haven't heard back after 6 weeks, call to check on the status. Claims are rarely denied if you have proper documentation.

The fine print that matters

A few important nuances that trip people up:

You must have paid for the trip with the card. The delay protection only applies if you actually purchased the flight (or a meaningful portion of the trip) on that specific credit card. If you booked with points and paid $5.60 in taxes on the card, check your policy — some cards still cover you, others don't.

The delay trigger is at the destination. Your flight needs to arrive 6+ hours late (or be cancelled), not just depart late. If your flight departs 7 hours late but arrives only 5 hours late due to tailwinds, you may not qualify on a 6-hour trigger card.

Coverage is per ticket, not per person (on some cards). Chase Sapphire Reserve covers $500 per ticket, which means if two travelers are on one booking, it may be treated as one claim. Check your specific card's terms.

The bottom line

You're already paying for this insurance through your card's annual fee. The only question is whether you'll actually use it when you need it. Save receipts, document the delay, file the claim. It's 15 minutes of work for up to $500 back.

For the complete guide to travel protections — including scripts for getting the airline to cover your hotel, EU261 compensation claims, and rebooking strategies — grab our Missed Transit Recovery Guide.