You’re on a flight stopping at a connecting airport, and the flight cancels, and you have to leave the plane, or the plane cancels before boarding. And the reason? Something under the airline’s direct control and responsibility. It could be maintenance, a missing crew member, or the incoming plane is nowhere to be seen.

Does the airline owe you a hotel for the night? Not a single U.S. airline has made this a formal policy, but many will offer an airport hotel. But be careful. Airlines negotiate the lowest possible room rates for passengers victimized by what the industry calls IROPS, irregular operations. Make the airline confirm that the hotel is actually within two miles of the airport and that there’s actually a confirmed room for you there as well, and transportation to and from the hotel.

I can assure you that it won’t be a great room. I can also assure you, if you don’t get that confirmation, you won’t have a room.