Pincus: I need a great travel service app on my BlackBerry or iPhone that knows if my flight is canceled, etc. and it can recommend some games to play while I wait.

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If a flight is canceled for operational reasons (such as a mechanical problem or crew scheduling conflicts) most airline contracts stipulate that you have to be put on the next available flight, even if it's on another airline.

NPR: Don't Pack that Pumpkin Pie Just Yet...

If you hold an e-ticket and your flight is delayed or canceled, you must redeem the e-ticket for a paper ticket to switch to another carrier.

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Then, advises Trippler, start asking the airline representative at the gate if the flight is going to be canceled.

NPR: Don't Pack that Pumpkin Pie Just Yet...

Any time lost because of a canceled flight is an inconvenience to someone.

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If there is a mechanical problem with a plane, or a pilot is sick, then chances are the flight will be canceled.

NPR: Holding Pattern: Flight Delays are Going Up, Up, Up

Among the bill's provisions: Carriers would have to tell passengers when a flight is oversold and the real reason a flight has been delayed, diverted or canceled.

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