If the airline cancels my flight due to extreme weather and I am stranded overnight, will the hotel pay for a hotel room and meals?

One of the most common reasons for flights to be cancelled is the weather. Unlike a mechanical delay, where the airline is at fault and bears some responsibility for assisting the displaced passengers, a weather delay is not considered to be the airline’s fault and they are exempted from any obligation to compensate passengers. That is not to say that they won’t; exceptions are sometimes made and a kind word and patient explanation of your circumstances can sometimes yield meal vouchers and contact information for nearby hotels. However, these should not be expected. You can reduce the chance of this happening to you by accepting early offers to change or cancel your travel plans in advance of the weather. Airlines commonly issue waivers 24-72 hours in prior to the anticipated severe weather to permit travelers going to, from, or through affected areas to alter their plans without penalty.