Delay / Schedule Change Alert WhatsApp template
Informs travellers about delays, gate changes or schedule changes and their options.
- 4 variables
- Utility category
- Free to copy
TODAY
Schedule update
Hi Sana, we are sorry to inform you that flight 6E 2134 on 18 Oct is now expected to depart at 09:10. If the new time does not work for you, you can reschedule or request a refund using the link below.
We apologise for the inconvenience
10:24 am
- View options
- Talk to an agent
Template text
UtilityPaste this into the template builder. Keep the variable numbers in order.
HEADER: Schedule update
BODY:
Hi {{1}}, we are sorry to inform you that {{2}} on {{3}} is now expected to depart at *{{4}}*.
If the new time does not work for you, you can reschedule or request a refund using the link below.
FOOTER: We apologise for the inconvenience
BUTTONS:
- [URL] View options
- [QUICK_REPLY] Talk to an agentVariables
Map each placeholder to a contact or order field. Samples are what you submit to Meta.
| Variable | What it holds | Sample value |
|---|---|---|
| {{1}} | Traveller first name | Sana |
| {{2}} | Service (flight / bus / train) | flight 6E 2134 |
| {{3}} | Travel date | 18 Oct |
| {{4}} | New departure time | 09:10 |
Buttons
- View options · Visit website
- Talk to an agent · Quick reply
Tips for approval and performance
- 1
Send delay alerts as soon as the schedule changes, speed matters more than polish here.
- 2
Always give the traveller options (reschedule, refund, agent) rather than just the news.
- 3
Route 'Talk to an agent' replies to a priority queue in your shared inbox.
Meta template category
Why this is a Utility template
Updates about a transaction or account the customer already has with you: orders, payments, appointments, bookings. Must contain no promotional content, or Meta will re-categorise it as Marketing.
Typical utility use cases: Order and shipping updates, payment receipts, reminders.
Meta can re-categorise a template during review if the content does not match. Learn how categories work in our guide to WhatsApp template messages and how each category is billed in WhatsApp conversation pricing.
How to submit this template
for Meta approval
Five steps from copy-paste to your first send.
- 1
Open the template manager
In Chatbox AI (or WhatsApp Manager), go to Message Templates and click Create template.
- 2
Choose the Utility category
Select Utility, give the template a lowercase name such as flight_delay_update and choose the language (for example English).
- 3
Add the header, body and footer
Paste the body text, set the text header and the footer. Replace brand details with your own and keep variables in {{1}}, {{2}} format.
- 4
Add sample values and buttons
Enter a realistic sample for each of the 4 variables and add the 2 buttons. Meta uses the samples to review the template.
- 5
Submit for review and send
Submit the template to Meta. Once it shows Approved, send it via a broadcast, an automation, an integration trigger or the API.
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Related templates
Frequently asked
questions
A delay notification should apologise, state the service, date and new departure time, and offer clear options such as rescheduling, a refund or speaking to an agent. It is a Utility template and should be sent the moment schedules change. Chatbox AI can broadcast it to every affected passenger and route replies to a priority queue.
How should a WhatsApp delay notification be written? A delay notification should apologise, state the service, date and new departure time, and offer clear options such as rescheduling, a refund or speaking to an agent. It is a Utility template and should be sent the moment schedules change. Chatbox AI can broadcast it to every affected passenger and route replies to a priority queue.
Is the delay / schedule change alert template a Marketing or Utility template? It is a Utility template. Updates about a transaction or account the customer already has with you: orders, payments, appointments, bookings. Must contain no promotional content, or Meta will re-categorise it as Marketing. Choosing the correct category helps the template get approved quickly and billed at the right rate.
Can I edit this template before submitting it? Yes. Change the wording, brand name, buttons and footer to match your business. Keep variables in {{1}}, {{2}} order, avoid placing a variable at the very start or end of the body, and provide a realistic sample value for each one when you submit.
How do I send this template to many customers at once? After Meta approves it, upload or sync your contacts in Chatbox AI, map each variable to a contact field such as first name or order ID, and send it as a broadcast or trigger it automatically from an integration, webhook or the REST API.
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