Winter weather frequently leads to disruptions in flight schedules, including delays and cancellations. Although airlines cannot control weather conditions, they are mandated by U.S. regulations to offer refunds for canceled flights. Here’s what passengers should know about their rights during such situations, especially when flight cancellations accumulate.
Stay informed by monitoring weather updates. When airlines anticipate adverse weather impacts, they typically provide travelers the option to delay their trips for a few days without incurring extra fees. You can search online for your airline along with terms like “travel alerts” to find potential rescheduling options available to you.
Before heading to the airport, it’s wise to check the status of your flight. It’s often better to wait at home or in a hotel rather than being stuck at the airport terminal. Utilize the airline’s mobile app or their official website to confirm that your flight is still scheduled, as many airlines will cancel flights well in advance of departure.
If you find yourself at the airport and your flight has been canceled, your next step is to secure an alternate flight. Join the queue for customer service assistance or connect online or via phone with the airline’s reservations staff. Additionally, reaching out on social media platforms can also be beneficial.
Most airlines will accommodate you on a later flight without additional costs, but this depends on seat availability. Thankfully, winter travelers have a better chance of finding available seats in January compared to the peak holiday travel times, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, when securing a spot can take several days.
Can you request a booking on another airline? While you can make this request, airlines are not legally obligated to place you on a different carrier’s flight. Some major airlines, with the exception of Southwest, claim they can assist with booking you on partner airlines, though this can be inconsistent. Jeff Klee, CEO of CheapAir.com, advises passengers to explore alternative flights while waiting in line for assistance.
Are refunds guaranteed? If you choose not to travel anymore or find an alternative mode of transportation, the airline must refund your fare, even for non-refundable tickets. The reason for the flight cancellation is irrelevant. As stated by Kyle Potter of Thrifty Traveler, “They can’t stick you with a voucher; you can get your money back.” Canceling your entire reservation can be a practical option, especially if you intend to book with a different airline.
Additionally, you are entitled to refunds on any baggage fees, seat upgrades, or other paid services that you did not utilize due to the cancellation.
What about compensation? U.S. airlines are not required to provide cash compensation for stranded passengers nor cover accommodation or meal costs, even in cases where the cancellation is the airline’s fault, such as crew shortages or mechanical failures. Recently, the Biden administration announced plans to propose changes that could enhance passenger protections, aligning more closely with policies in Europe regarding airline consumer rights.
With only two weeks remaining in President Biden’s tenure, any further regulatory decisions about airlines will be dealt with by the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.
What additional coverage do airlines provide? Policies vary among airlines. The U.S. Department of Transportation offers a resource where consumers can check the specific commitments of each airline concerning refunds and additional costs resulting from cancellations or significant delays.
Here are some other suggestions: If you anticipate poor weather conditions, consider booking a backup flight. Certain airlines allow customers to receive a full refund if they cancel within 24 hours of making the booking. Also, if you are traveling in a group and someone is a member of a higher-tier frequent flyer program, leverage their status when contacting the airline for assistance. It’s often effective to reach out to the airline’s international customer support as well, which can sometimes provide quicker assistance.
Lastly, remember to be courteous. The customer service representative you are speaking with is likely managing numerous distressed travelers as well, and being polite is more likely to result in a favorable outcome. The cancellation itself is beyond their control.
