According to the DOT a controllable cancellation is one caused by the airline itself. Controllable reasons include maintenance or crew problems, cabin cleaning, baggage loading and fueling.

Clever advice on how to quickly rebook your flight, skip long lines and avoid flight issues in the future. One tip? Try queuing up for an agent in the airport lounge.

Lufthansa eventually rebooked us on another airline but offered us only a $15 meal voucher, which wasn't enough to buy a meal in New York. We had a delay of almost 24 hours.