![]() ![]() If you're already at the airport when the flight is canceled, check out airline self-service options for rebooking. You usually won't have to pay a change fee or fare difference if your flight meets the criteria.Īirlines also sometimes proactively cancel flights, so they don't strand passengers and crew during a storm, so check your inbox regularly for updates from the airline about flight changes. Airlines routinely issue travel advisories, alerts and waivers (the names vary by carrier) ahead of big weather events, allowing travelers to move their flight to an eligible earlier or later date. Pay attention to your airline's website, mobile app or Facebook and Twitter accounts at the first hint of weather trouble. Watch Video: How you can prepare for this year's busy holiday travel season What if there's a storm brewing or a weather advisory? For the most part, it's up to individual airlines to decide how to compensate their passengers after a delay. have few protections if something goes wrong. The rules are different – and more traveler-friendly – in Europe, where laws require airlines to compensate passengers at least 250 euros for delays of three hours or more, and up to 600 euros for longer delays on long-distance flights. Domestic flights in the U.S. "Whether you are entitled to a refund depends on a lot of factors – such as the length of the delay, the length of the flight, and your particular circumstances," the DOT says. The only wrinkle here is that airlines' definitions of "significant delay" vary. In theory, the same DOT rules for cancellations also apply to significant delays, meaning passengers are eligible for a refund regardless of the cause of the airline's delay. The DOT has a traveler-focused dashboard (which you can access by clicking here) to help passengers whose flights are canceled or delayed figure out what they're entitled to. Southwest and Delta, for example, automatically issue travel credit, so travelers who want their money back have to request it. Airlines are quickest to offer credits and vouchers first, so travelers who want their money back instead often have to take some extra steps. If you opt for a refund, you are eligible to get your money back, not just a travel credit or voucher. ![]() So in many cases, the next-available flight might be the least-expensive option for getting to your destination or back home when things go awry last minute. Keep in mind, though, that a refund a) might not be instant and b) probably won't cover the cost of a new last-minute ticket unless your original ticket was pricey. It doesn't matter if the reason for the cancellation was outside their control, like weather, or within their control, like maintenance issues or flight crew shortages. And it doesn't matter what kind of ticket you bought, including nonrefundable tickets or basic economy tickets.Īirlines prefer to automatically rebook you on their next available flight, but you are under no obligation to take it. Can I get a refund if my flight is canceled?Īirlines are required by the DOT to offer a refund when they cancel a flight. ![]() Others, like hotel and meal vouchers and expense reimbursement, are up to individual airline policies spelled out in dozens of pages of legalese known as a contract of carriage. Some rules, like those covering refunds for cancellations and significant flight delays by the airline, are dictated by the U.S. ![]() My flight was canceled: But I got most of my costs covered (after 3 months)Ĥ5,000+ flights were canceled this summer: Here's what flyers can expect this winter. For her trouble, Cannon said, United Airlines gave her around $30 in meal vouchers per person and a form letter of apology over email.Īnd that may be all she's going to get because there's no single set of rules for airline travel woes. ![]()
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