With the holiday season in full swing, travel plans for many have increased. Whether traveling in state or across country, the one thing that many travellers are always on edge about is the cancellation of flights during this season. Though I usually don't fly during this time of the year, knowing what to do if your plane gets cancelled for Christmas is something that I try to keep in the back of my mind just in case.

Many travelers may be under the impression that they will be properly accommodated when they flights are cancelled during the holidays, but that's not necessarily true. According to CNN Travel, while travelers who get delayed due to overbooked flights get compensated and accommodated, the same courtesy is not always extended to those on flights that are cancelled or delayed. Things like the airline you choose, if you have multiple destinations in your travel, and what caused the cancellation are all factors that will determine if you will be given a certain luxury.

Being that this is the winter season, bad weather can be a cause of your delayed or cancelled upcoming trip, and can leave you stuck in your local airport with no way to your destination until days after your scheduled departure. If this is the case, Cheapair suggested that just canceling your trip altogether — especially if it is non-essential — may be the best option. Though you won't be able to go on the trip, you'll still be able to receive the money back that you paid for the flight because you are entitled to a full refund on all cancelled flights — even if they were non-refundable.

As with cancelled flights, Condé Nast Traveller noted that until you know you are booked on another flight or your airline gives you more information, still show up to your gate on time as if your flight is still leaving. That way, you're not stuck in the chaos of rebooking with hundreds of other people. Another key to handling delayed flights is to be as courteous as possible to the gate agents. When you're polite and understanding to them — even when you're upset about your delay — they'll be a little more willing to help you out.

If there's just no way for you to take the cancellation with a grain of salt or book another flight in time, don't forget that there's always the option of renting a car and driving to your destination. Search for the best deals possible and use the money from your flight cancellation to fund the road trip.

Regardless of the decision you make after your flight is cancelled, do your best to stay in good spirits and enjoy the holiday season.