Here’s what happens when your plane is divertedand how to handle the situation.

Either way, rather than landing in Miami, youre stranded in Tallahassee until things get sorted.

According to theBureau of Transportation Statistics, 0.25 percent of flights were diverted between January and November 2024.

Plane on a tarmac

A plan on a tarmac.Credit:Tobias Titz/Getty Images

What should you do?

Wait for them to book you a new flight?

Rent a car and drive the rest of the way?

Man watching tv on a plane

Passenger watching the news on a plane.Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure

Here is what to expect if your flight is diverted, including how to claim compensation.

Plane Diversion Compensation Rules Outside the U.S.

This is wheretravel insurancecomes in.

rows of seats in the airport’s international terminal are completely empty.

Empty seats in an airport.Prasert Krainukul/Getty Images

If you have travel insurance or plan to claim compensation from the airline, secure your receipts.