With crowded airports and potential winter weather, travel disruptions may not be far behind this holiday season. A record number of Americans are expected to travel domestically for Thanksgiving, alone.

Whether you’re hitting the skies or the high seas, it’s worth doing some research before departure on what you’re owed and – and what you can do – if something goes wrong. The Department of Transportation, for example, has rules about how airlines must compensate passengers if their flights are cancelled or significantly changed or delayed.

USA TODAY has rounded up what travelers need to know, from lost luggage to postponing a cruise and more.

What if my flight is delayed?

If your flight is delayed significantly for a reason in the airline's control, you are entitled to a refund if you choose not to travel. If you decide to stick it out, you may still be entitled to some compensation or accommodation, including rebooking on another flight or airline at no cost, meal and lodging vouchers for qualifying delays and other benefits.You can find USA TODAY’s guide to flight delay compensation here.

What if my flight is canceled?

You're entitled to a refund if you choose not to travel. If you take alternative flights the airline offers, you could still be eligible for other compensation under commitments various airlines have made to the Department of Transportation.

Here’s what to do if your flight is canceled.

What if my airline loses my luggage?

The Department of Transportation has specific requirements for how airlines need to respond if a bag gets damaged, delayed or goes missing, and part of that process typically involves passengers filing a claim with the airline.

Here’s what you’re entitled to if your luggage is lost, delayed or damaged.

What if I need a refund for my theme park visit?

Fortunately, most parks allow guests to reschedule visits and even get refunds in some cases.

What to know about getting a refund on your theme park tickets.

What if I need to postpone or cancel my cruise?

While many travelers book cruises months or even years in advance, plans can change in the time between making a reservation and setting sail. But canceling or rescheduling a cruise can be different from other kinds of travel.

Here’s what to do if you need to delay your cruise, or scrap those plans altogether.

What if my cruise had substantive itinerary changes?

While major changes are relatively uncommon, weather, geopolitical developments and technical issues can force a cruise line to reroute, scrapping stops or taking guests somewhere other than planned.

What you are – and aren’t – owed if your cruise itinerary is changed.

Do I need travel insurance?

Seasoned travelers know to expect the unexpected. From canceled flights to food poisoning, travel plans can go awry for a number of reasons. A way to safeguard yourself from financial loss when your trip doesn’t go as planned is by having travel insurance.

How to know if you need travel insurance, and what it covers.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Know your rights: A guide to navigating Thanksgiving travel chaos

Reporting by Nathan Diller, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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