What if my flight is delayed or cancelled and I am stranded at the airport?
Information specific to passengers with dementia or cognitive impairment (DPNA SSR code):
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) (49 U.S.C. § 41705) and the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights do NOT obligate airlines to provide continuous, overnight assistance for passengers with cognitive disabilities (e.g., toileting, feeding).
If you have a DPNA SSR code (Disabled Passenger with Intellectual or Developmental Disability Needing Assistance Special Service Request code) or are traveling with someone with this code and your flight is delayed or cancelled ‘stranding’ you at the airport, and you cannot or do not want to accept hotel accommodation, these are suggestions:
General information about flight delays and/or cancellations:
Flights may be delayed or cancelled for controllable reasons (e.g.: staffing, mechanical issues) or uncontrollable reasons (e.g.: weather, air traffic control).
Be aware that if your flight is delayed and you are ‘stranded’ at the airport, each airline has its own policies about what it will do for delayed passengers waiting at the airport. To compare airline policies for cancellation or delay due to circumstances within the airline’s control, examine the Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboard comparison chart or Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboard - Alternative Text Format and check the web sites of the larger carriers for their voluntary Customer Service Plans, which list the amenities that those airlines will provide to passengers.
Airlines' Customer Service Plans
There are no federal requirements regarding these amenities or services.
Updated 1/17/2026
©2026 Dementia-Friendly Airports Working Group
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) (49 U.S.C. § 41705) and the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights do NOT obligate airlines to provide continuous, overnight assistance for passengers with cognitive disabilities (e.g., toileting, feeding).
If you have a DPNA SSR code (Disabled Passenger with Intellectual or Developmental Disability Needing Assistance Special Service Request code) or are traveling with someone with this code and your flight is delayed or cancelled ‘stranding’ you at the airport, and you cannot or do not want to accept hotel accommodation, these are suggestions:
- Inform your airline CRO (Complaint Resolution Official) of your circumstances asap and request their assistance in locating a safe, quiet space to rest inside the airport terminal. Some airports may have a quiet area with a dedicated area for customers with disabilities
- Inform the CRO of any clothing, toiletry, food, and medical needs you may have for this stay
- Ask if airline overnight staff or other airport staff/airline contractors can perform well checks throughout the night.
- Ask if there are airport volunteers who can accompany you and/or provide any assistance during your stay.
- A Guide to Sleeping in Airports for Travelers https://www.itilite.com/blog/how-to-sleep-in-the-airport/
General information about flight delays and/or cancellations:
Flights may be delayed or cancelled for controllable reasons (e.g.: staffing, mechanical issues) or uncontrollable reasons (e.g.: weather, air traffic control).
Be aware that if your flight is delayed and you are ‘stranded’ at the airport, each airline has its own policies about what it will do for delayed passengers waiting at the airport. To compare airline policies for cancellation or delay due to circumstances within the airline’s control, examine the Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboard comparison chart or Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboard - Alternative Text Format and check the web sites of the larger carriers for their voluntary Customer Service Plans, which list the amenities that those airlines will provide to passengers.
Airlines' Customer Service Plans
- Alaska Airlines
- Allegiant Air
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Frontier Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Southwest Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- United Airlines
There are no federal requirements regarding these amenities or services.
Updated 1/17/2026
©2026 Dementia-Friendly Airports Working Group