It's natural to get frustrated with your airline when a flight gets canceled due to weather, but no one really wants to fly in a hurricane, blizzard or tornado. Flights may be canceled preemptively when bad weather is expected, so get as much information as you can before you leave for the airport. Getting stranded at the airport in the middle of your journey is the worst-case scenario.
You can try to demand a complimentary hotel room or enough meal vouchers to feed a family, but airlines are under no obligation to feed and comfort you when they cancel a flight due to weather. Bad weather is considered an "act of God" or a "force majeure," meaning that they have no control over the situation; therefore, their liability is limited. They are required to refund the full cost of your canceled ticket or whatever portion of your fare is unused when a connecting flight is canceled or book you on the next available flight to your destination.
If you're at the airport when your flight is canceled, you'll need to join the other hassled passengers at the ticket counter to get rebooked on a new flight. This will be stressful for you as well as the ticketing agents you come into contact with, so stay calm and polite and remember the flight cancellation is not their fault. Explain where you are going and how many people you are traveling with. To get rebooked quickly, stay flexible. For example, be willing to fly into Burbank instead of Los Angeles or Baltimore instead of Washington, D.C. If you're home or in a hotel room when you find out your flight has been canceled, get on the phone to rebook and don't be surprised if you're on hold for a while.
Airlines are under no obligation to find or pay for a hotel while you wait out whatever storm canceled your flight. However, if you are part of their loyalty program or you can make a case for why you need the extra help, they might be willing to assist in some way. If you want to stay in a hotel overnight, expect to pick up your own tab, but don't expect to find a vacancy easily -- after all, you're not the only one on a canceled flight. If possible, call on any friends who might be willing to come pick you up and offer you a couch. Or, make yourself as comfortable as possible at the airport. See if you can get a blanket or a pillow and don't be afraid to unpack your necessities while you're setting up camp.
Fewer people pack drinks for a flight than they used to because they'll be confiscated when you get to the security checkpoint. However, if it's looking like you might be stuck in the airport due to weather, stock up on provisions before the stores and restaurants close. Buy some water and non-perishables such as dried fruits and nuts. Get together with other passengers and split a pizza if money is tight and you're looking for company. Most airports have charging stations for electronics such as cell phones, tablets and laptops so you shouldn't be without music, news, games and reading material.
Sign up for text or email alerts from your airline so you are constantly updated on the weather and your flights. Follow airlines on social media and don't be afraid to ask for help on Twitter or Facebook. According to ABC News, if you tweet or post a question or problem with your confirmation number, the airline will likely contact you.
