For flight cancelled or delayed, air travel has experienced major disruptions recently, with ongoing ripple effects from last week’s global tech outage. Flight delays and cancellations are becoming more common, causing widespread inconvenience for travelers. In response to these issues, various national aviation authorities are investigating to address the growing number of consumer complaints.
New Rules for Cash Refunds
Earlier this year, the Biden-Harris Administration introduced a new rule mandating airlines to provide automatic cash refunds to passengers when owed. This rule aims to simplify the refund process for passengers when airlines cancel or significantly alter flights (delayed flight), delay checked bags, or fail to provide extra services purchased.
Understanding Your Rights
While U.S. airlines must refund passengers for canceled flights, the rules for delays are less defined. The DOT does not officially define “significant delay,” but the most current resource for your entitlements is the DOT’s (Department of Transportation) Airline Customer Service Dashboard. This dashboard outlines the commitments of major U.S. airlines for controllable cancellations or delays, including issues like maintenance or crew problems.
Also, airlines in many countries must refund passengers for canceled flights, though the rules for delays can be less defined. Check your country’s transportation authority website for the most current information on your entitlements.
Before filing a complaint with the DOT, passengers are encouraged to contact the airline directly, as customer service representatives may resolve the issue promptly.
Flight Cancelled?
If your flight is canceled less than 14 days before departure, you are entitled to a refund for your plane ticket and any pre-paid baggage fees, even for non-refundable tickets.
Delayed Flight?
Federal law does not require airlines to compensate passengers for delays. Compensation for delays due to unpredictable events, like weather or mechanical issues, is at the airline’s discretion. However, airlines must rebook you on another flight at no extra cost. The type of vouchers or compensation offered during delays varies by airline.
Baggage Issues
For flight compensation : Airlines must compensate you for any “reasonable, verifiable, and actual” expenses due to baggage damage or delay (flight delay compensation). And if your baggage is delayed, the airline is responsible for locating and returning it to you. Most airlines will deliver delayed bags to your hotel or accommodation, though this is not guaranteed.
Overbooking and Denied Boarding
Overbooking flights is legal and common. Airlines must seek volunteers to take another flight before involuntarily bumping passengers. If no volunteers are found, passengers may be involuntarily denied boarding, potentially qualifying for compensation.
You may be eligible for compensation if you are involuntarily bumped due to overbooking, but not in cases like aircraft changes for safety reasons, weight restrictions, downgraded seating, charter flight issues, or small aircraft overbooking. To qualify for denied boarding compensation, you must have a confirmed reservation, check in on time, and be unable to reach your destination within one hour of the original arrival time.
Choose Cash Over Vouchers
If involuntarily bumped, you have the right to request cash instead of vouchers. The availability of cash compensation depends on the circumstances of the cancellation and the airline’s policies. Always check with a customer service representative for the best outcome.
Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of air travel disruptions can be challenging, but knowing your rights as a passenger can help ensure you’re treated fairly. From understanding the new rules for automatic cash refunds to knowing what to do when your flight is delayed or canceled, being informed is your best defense against the uncertainties of air travel. Always check the DOT’s resources and contact your airline for the most up-to-date information and assistance. By staying proactive and informed, you can better handle the inconveniences of flight disruptions and ensure you receive the compensation or services you are entitled to.
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