When your flight is canceled or delayed, use Rule 240

Travel expert Peter Greenberg explains how you can use Rule 240 to get a flight on another airline should your scheduled flight be canceled or delayed:

"Here's what 240 says: In the event of any flight irregularity (delay, cancellation, mechanical failure) for any reason whatsoever except weather, the airline must endorse your ticket over to the next available flight. Not just THEIR next available flight, which may not leave until next Thursday, but THE next available flight.

The only airline exceptions to the rule: airlines that don't have existing "interline" agreements with other carriers. Jet Blue, Southwest and a few other low cost carriers are not governed by 240. But American, United, Delta, Northwest, Continental, Alaska, and U.S. Air do have to abide by 240.

Rule 240 applies only in the United States and not to any foreign carriers."