Travel is amazing. Travel delays? Not so much.
Whether it’s a major storm, a technical issue, or just random airline chaos, getting stuck can derail your trip, your budget… and your mood. 🫠
The good news? Lots of travel credit cards have your back with something called trip delay reimbursement, which is a perk that can save you hundreds of dollars when plans go sideways.
Let’s break down what this benefit actually is, how to use it, and which cards offer the best protection.
What Is Trip Delay Reimbursement?
Think of trip delay reimbursement as your financial safety net. If your flight is delayed by a certain number of hours (usually 6 to 12, depending on the card), your credit card’s insurance kicks in to cover those extra expenses.
That can include things like:
- Meals while you wait
- A hotel stay if you’re stranded overnight
- Transportation to and from the airport
- Even toiletries and essentials, if your luggage is stuck somewhere else
The key is that this is reimbursement, so you’ll pay upfront, keep your receipts, and then file a claim with your credit card’s insurance provider to get the money back.
How Does Trip Delay Protection Work?
Here’s the quick version:
- Book with the right card. You’ll only be covered if you paid for your trip with a card that includes trip delay insurance.
- Know the delay threshold. Some cards cover delays of 6+ hours, while others require 12+.
- Save EVERYTHING. Hotel receipts, meal receipts, Uber rides, even that sad airport sandwich… all of it counts.
- File your claim. Most issuers have an online portal where you submit documentation. You’ll usually need to provide proof of the delay, like an email from the airline.
Once you’re approved, you’ll get reimbursed for eligible expenses up to a set limit, usually around $500 per trip.
What’s Not Covered?
Before you start ordering champagne to your hotel room, you should know that issuers keep things pretty practical. Most policies exclude:
- First-class upgrades or luxury spending
- Lost wages or missed business meetings
- Delays caused by things within your control (like oversleeping)
It’s there to cover the inconvenience more than anything else.
Best Credit Cards for Trip Delay Reimbursement
Not every card comes with this perk, but some of the best travel cards do. Here are a few of our favorite options:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card — covers delays of 12+ hours or an overnight stay, with reimbursement up to $500 per ticket
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® — coverage is still up to $500 per ticket, plus you get perks like lounge access while you wait out your delay
- American Express Platinum Card® — coverage starts at 6+ hours or if you’re stuck overnight, with reimbursement up to $500 per trip
- United℠ Explorer Card — if you’re a United fan, this one offers coverage after 12+ hour delays and reimburses up to $500 per ticket
- American Express® Business Gold Card — covers delay of 12+ hours, with reimbursement of up to $300 per trip (maximum two claims per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period, terms apply)
💡 Pro Tip: Always save receipts and get proof of delay in writing from the airline. Without those, even the best card can’t help you. And, be sure to submit your claim as quickly as possible.
Bottom Line
Trip delay reimbursement isn’t the flashiest perk out there, but it’s one of the most valuable. A single overnight delay can cost $200 or more in meals and hotel stays, and if it happens once, your card’s annual fee just paid for itself.
If you already have a travel card, it’s worth checking whether this coverage is included, so you know before your next trip. And if you don’t, cards like the Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, and Platinum Card® offer peace of mind on top of all the points and perks you’re already chasing.
Because at the end of the day, trip delays are inevitable, but being stuck paying for them doesn’t have to be. 😄
