Thousands of travelers were stranded or queued at airports this week trying to book flights as a huge storm devastated travel across the United States and Canada.

More than 2,800 additional flights were already canceled in the United States as of 7 a.m. Tuesday, according to flight-tracking service FlightAware, and the problems are expected to last at least through Wednesday.

Keeping calm and knowing your rights can go a long way if your flight is canceled, experts say. Here are some of her tips for dealing with a flight cancellation:

MY FLIGHT HAS BEEN CANCELLED. AND THEN ?

If you still want to get to your destination, most airlines will book you onto the next available flight for free as long as there’s seating, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

If you decide to cancel the trip, you are entitled to a full refund even if you bought non-refundable tickets. You are also entitled to a refund for baggage fees, seat upgrades or other extras.

Kurt Ebenhoch, a mainstream travel advocate and former airline executive, stressed that travelers are entitled to a refund, not just vouchers for future trips. If you take a coupon, be sure to ask about blackout dates and other usage restrictions.

WILL I PAY CHANGE FEES IF I BOOK MY FLIGHTS?

Major airlines __ including Delta, American, Southwest, Air Canada, Alaska, Frontier and Spirit __ are waiving change fees during the storm, giving travelers more flexibility to change their plans. But Ebenhoch said travelers should read the fine print carefully. For example, if you book a return flight outside of the time slot set by the airline, you will have to pay the fare difference.

CAN I REQUEST TO BE BOOKED ON ANOTHER AIRLINE’S FLIGHT?

Yes. Airlines are not required to put you on another airline’s flight, but according to the DOT they can and sometimes do. CheapAir.com CEO Jeff Klee recommends researching alternative flights while you wait to speak to an agent. Agents are usually under a lot of pressure when a flight is cancelled, so it helps to give them some options.

Ebenhoch also recommends looking for alternative airports close to your original destination.

IS THE AIRLINE OBLIGATED TO GIVE ME A HOTEL ROOM OR OTHER COMPENSATION?

no Each airline has its own policy for dealing with customers whose flights are canceled, according to the DOT. But many airlines offer accommodation, so you should check with their staff.

I HAVE TO WAIT FOR A LONG TIME TO CHANGE THE RESERVATION. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

If anyone in your travel party is in a higher tier frequent flyer program, use the number reserved for that tier to call the airline, Ebenhoch said. You can also try calling an international airline helpdesk as they can make changes.

HOW CAN I AVOID THIS IN THE FUTURE?

Ebenhoch said non-stop flights and morning flights are usually the most reliable when bookable. If you’re worried about getting to the airport in time for a morning flight, consider staying at a hotel connected to the airport the night before. And consider flying outside of busy dates; This year, for example, the US Transportation Security Administration expects large crowds on December 30th.

Klee recommends comparing airline policies on the DOT’s service dashboard: https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/airline-customer-service-dashboard. He also suggests booking multiple flights and then canceling the ones you don’t use, as long as the airline refunds your money or turns it into credit for a future flight.

Dee-Ann Durbin, Associated Press

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