Video More video Flight delays and cancellations are on the rise. CNN's Gerri Willis tells you what rights you have when your flight is cancelled. (October 10) Play video

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Flight delays and cancellations are rising. And you can blame it on everything from inclement weather to overcrowded airports and financial problems.

But it's U.S. air travelers who are bearing the brunt of these woes. One out of every four domestic flights was late in August, according to the Department of Transportation. It's the third worst August on record.

In today's top five tips we'll tell you what rights and liberties you have when your flight is cancelled.

Airlines are not required by law to notify you of a cancelled flight. But according to Bill Mosely of the Department of Transportation, they must tell you the real reason for the cancellation.

What perks you're entitled to lies in the balance. If your cancellation is caused by a mechanical failure, flight consolidation or a lack of crew, and you are stuck overnight, you'll be able to get meal vouchers, hotel accommodations and discounts. If the cancellation is because of bad weather or resulting air traffic delays, there's not much you can do. You're at the mercy of the airline.

Airlines tend not to take responsibility for passengers if it's out of their control, says David Stempler of the Air Travelers Association. No matter what caused your flight to be cancelled, airlines will generally try and get you on a later flight.

If your flight has been cancelled, one of your best bets is to find another airline carrier with the same destination. If your entire flight has been cancelled, a lot of passengers are just going to be shifted to the next flight time. And that means the next flight may become overbooked very quickly. So think about an alternate airline.

You'll have more luck if you take matters into your own hands. Stempler recommends having a list of other flights and airlines with you to call. Have your original carrier transfer your ticket to the airline electronically.

According to Tom Parsons of Bestfares.com, if you already know your options, you will almost always get your way. Make sure that you don't have to pay a penalty or a higher fare for changing your reservations by asking to have your airline ticket endorsed by your first carrier.

If you are on a non-stop flight that is cancelled, you want to ask about any connecting flights that will help you reach your destination on time.

The easiest thing for airlines to do is to just put you on the next flight, says Randy Petersen of Inside Flyer magazine. "It's up to you to ask for connections," he says.

If you're flying from New York to Dallas, a thirty-minute layover in St. Louis may save you more time than waiting for another non-stop flight at your original airport.

If you've already checked your bags and then discover that your flight was cancelled, it's likely your luggage will be temporarily lost, according to Petersen.

If you've changed flights because of a cancellation, call the airline you originally booked through. They should have kept track of your luggage. The first airline you booked with is ultimately responsible for your bags, says Petersen.

If your bags are delayed for a few hours, you will be able to get your bags delivered to your destination at no cost.

If your airline is responsible for the cancellation of your flight, you are entitled to a full refund, even if you have a non-refundable ticket.

Typically the delay resulting from a cancelled flight must be significant, lasting until the next day, according to Bill Mosely of the Department of Transportation. Don't forget this doesn't apply if you were stranded because of a snowstorm or a hurricane.

You'll also be able to get a refund if your plane lands at an airport that is different than the one you had planned on. When requesting a refund, take care of it on the spot. The faster you seek action, the better your outcome will be.

Gerri Willis is a personal finance editor for CNN Business News and the host for Open House. E-mail comments to 5tips@cnn.com.