Flight canceled? Experts share 7 tips for getting rebooked and avoiding extra costs.

There’s a very specific, sinking feeling travelers know all too well: It sets in when you find out your flight was canceled.

As frustrating as this can be, you have more control than you might think over how things play out. The steps you take immediately afterward can determine how quickly you resume your journey and how much the disruption may ultimately cost you. That’s especially true during the busy holiday season, when flights are in high demand and seats are limited.

But it’s not just about reacting quickly — strategy is equally important. We spoke with travel experts about what to do when a flight cancellation throws a wrench in your plans, from understanding your rights to securing a seat on a new flight while minimizing unexpected expenses.

Here are seven steps to get your travels back on track.

1. Watch for warning signs

First things first: You might be able to get ahead of a cancellation before it’s officially announced — if you know what to look for. Matt van Arnhem, airline pilot and founder of the AI-powered flight-delay prediction service DelayGuardtells Yahoo Travel that “creeping delays” (repeated postponements) are the top warning sign.

If the underlying cause is a maintenance issue with the plane, van Arnhem says engineers might be hopeful they can fix it, only to find it’s more complicated than expected. Or the crew could be waiting on a delayed aircraft, but then run out of legally permitted working hours, with no standby crew available to take over.

Van Arnhem advises using your airline’s app or a flight-tracking service to watch your incoming plane. If your departure is scheduled within the next hour but your aircraft hasn’t even left its previous airport, it could point to the possibility of a cancellation or, at the very least, significant delays.

If it seems a cancellation is increasingly likely, proactively search for alternative flights and check your airline’s travel alerts for waivers. You may be able to switch to an earlier flight and dodge the disruption before it even happens. Just make sure you don’t forfeit your existing seat until you’ve confirmed your replacement itinerary.

2. Check your airline’s app

Experts say the first thing you should do after receiving a cancellation notification is to check the airline’s app. Whether you know it or not, your airline may have rebooked you automatically, and the app is typically the fastest way to find out if this happened.

Even if the airline hasn’t rebooked you yet, you can often look for alternative flights and change the itinerary yourself without having to wait for an agent to help you in person or on the phone.

Marshall Jones, an expert at the online travel agency and flight concierge service Catchaflightadvises taking a screenshot of the cancellation notice in case you need that documentation for a travel insurance claim or reimbursement later on.

Jones also recommends simultaneously calling customer service or getting in line at the customer service desk while you’re using the app to research alternative flights.

“Have two workable flight numbers ready so you can ask for something specific,” he adds. “Once one channel confirms your new ticket, stop the others from making competing changes.”

3. Don’t automatically accept (or reject) a new flight

Sure, an automatic rebooking may be the simplest solution. But before you move forward, it’s worth comparing all the details, including the arrival time, destination airport, connections and seating arrangements.

“I’d ask, ‘Am I confirmed and ticketed, or only on standby?’ Then check whether bags, paid seats, assistance requests and onward or return flights are covered,” advises Jones.

If the new flight doesn’t work for you, make sure to ask about alternate options before you give up your seat, says van Arnhem, because declining a replacement flight is a gamble. You could find a more favorable itinerary, but you could just as easily end up with a less convenient option.

Just make sure to check if your airline set a deadline to accept or decline the new flight.

4. Look beyond your original route

If your airline’s next available flight won’t get you to your destination in time, consider expanding your search to alternative airlines, connecting flights or nearby departure and arrival airports.

Just don’t forget to factor in any necessary ground transportation: A flight that lands earlier can still cost you hours if it leaves you a long drive away from where you’re staying, says Jones.

According to Aman Thakran, founder of the U.K.-based travel agency BharatFareairlines can sometimes handle the rebooking for flights operated by partner carriers. So, if you find an available seat on a different airline, he recommends sharing the flight number with an agent and asking whether they can book it for you before you buy a replacement ticket yourself.

5. Know your refund rights

It doesn’t matter whether the flight was canceled due to weather, a plane malfunction or something within the airline’s control. If you choose not to take the alternative offered to you, you’re generally entitled to a refund under U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rules if your flight was to, from or within the U.S.

And as tempting as it may be in a panic, don’t automatically accept a travel voucher, says Anton Radchenko, CEO of the flight claims management company AirAdvisor: DOT rules dictate that you’re entitled to a refund to your original payment method. However, if you can’t delay your travel plans, Jones cautions against rushing to request a refund.

“A refund returns the unused ticket’s value, which might be far less than a last-minute fare,” he explains.

If you do opt for a refund, the airline must issue it automatically within seven business days of the refund becoming due if you paid by credit card, or within 20 calendar days if you used another payment method.

6. Consider the added expenses

Many airlines in the U.S. have committed to providing meal vouchers, complimentary overnight hotel stays and ground transportation to or from the hotel when a flight cancellation happens due to situations within their control, like crew shortages, certain technical problems, cabin cleaning or refueling issues.

These commitments often don’t apply, though, when a cancellation is due to events like extreme weather or airport closures.

If you end up stranded overnight because of a canceled flight, Jones advises asking for assistance before booking a hotel yourself, and clarifying what will happen to checked baggage.

Be sure to keep itemized receipts for any meals, lodging, transportation or other purchases you make as a result of your canceled flight. You may be able to get reimbursed by the airline, your travel insurance or a credit card for those out-of-pocket expenses. And you generally need some form of documentation to support your claim.

7. Review your travel insurance and credit card benefits

If you have a travel insurance policy — or paid for your flight with a credit card that offers travel protection — check whether those benefits might reimburse certain expenses, like lodging or meals, says Arhan Chhabra, president of the travel rewards platform Rove.

Whether you’re eligible for reimbursement usually depends on the reason for the disruption, coverage limits and how long you’re delayed. Keep in mind that you may need written confirmation of the cancellation and its cause from the airline in order to file a claim.