Bad Weather Cancels Your Flight? US DOT Rules Mandate This Airline Refund.
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The US Department of Transportation mandates a full refund for any canceled flight, regardless of the reason, even for nonrefundable tickets; airlines must process credit card refunds within seven business days.
Key Takeaways
- •US DOT regulations mandate a full ticket refund for any canceled flight, regardless of the reason (including severe weather), even for nonrefundable tickets.
- •Airlines must automatically process credit card refunds within seven business days and cash/other refunds within 20 calendar days.
- •Airlines are not federally required to provide meals or hotels for 'uncontrollable' delays like weather, but they must honor commitments for 'controllable' issues.
- •American Airlines, for instance, canceled over 1,200 flights on January 24 and added 3,200 seats at DFW to manage the disruption.
A powerful winter storm is causing significant severe weather flight disruption across the United States. Forecasters predict snow, sleet, and ice will affect half the U.S. population. Airlines have already canceled thousands of flights due to the severe weather. This widespread disruption highlights the importance of knowing passenger rights air travel regulations.
Passenger Rights on Canceled Flights
Travelers must understand their rights when an airline cancels a flight. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has clear rules on airline flight cancellation refund requirements. If an airline cancels a flight, passengers are legally entitled to a full refund. This rule applies even if the ticket was marked as nonrefundable ticket refund. The cause of the cancellation does not matter under this federal regulation.
Passengers can choose a refund instead of rebooking or accepting travel credits. Airlines must provide the refund in the original form of payment. This includes money for unused ancillary services, like baggage fees or seat upgrades.
Refund Processing Timeline
New US DOT refund rules require prompt processing of all refunds. For credit card purchases, the refund must be processed within seven business days. Refunds for cash or other payment methods are due within 20 calendar days. The DOT requires airlines to issue these refunds automatically. Passengers should not have to explicitly request them.
Airline Obligations and Waivers
When airlines anticipate major weather events, they often issue travel waivers. These waivers let passengers rebook flights without paying change fees. Travelers should search their airline's website for "travel waivers" or "travel alerts." For example, American Airlines waived change fees for passengers affected by freezing rain in Texas. The carrier canceled over 1,200 flights scheduled for January 24. This was according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. The airline also added more than 3,200 extra seats at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). This helped rebook stranded travelers.
Compensation for Delays
It is important to distinguish between refunds and compensation. U.S. airlines are not required to pay for meals or hotel stays. This is true when flights are canceled or delayed due to an uncontrollable flight delay event. Severe weather falls into this category.
However, airlines must follow their customer service plans for controllable disruptions. These include crew shortages or maintenance problems. The DOT tracks these commitments on its website. Airlines may offer rebooking on a later flight at no extra charge. They are not required to book passengers on a competing airline. Some major carriers may rebook on partner airlines, but this is not guaranteed.
Expert Travel Advice
Travelers should always check their flight status before leaving for the airport. Cancellations can happen hours or even days ahead of departure. When facing delays, travelers with elite frequent-flyer status should use priority phone lines. Calling an airline's international support line is another option. This can sometimes lead to faster assistance with rebooking.
Travelers may consider booking backup flights when forecasts look risky. Some airlines allow full refunds if tickets are canceled within 24 hours of booking. This is an important option to remember during major winter storms.
Stay ahead of the airline industry with commercial aviation news from flying.flights.
Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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