What Your Airline Does (and Does NOT) Owe You for Flight Cancelations

If you have been sitting in the airport and feeling stressed that your flight was just canceled, you are not alone. Many travelers are experiencing this and wondering what the airlines will do to compensate for the issue.

Airlines cancel flights for many reasons, from severe weather and mechanical issues to staffing shortages. While these disruptions are frustrating, passengers often don’t realize they may have specific rights depending on the situation. The compensation you’re entitled to can vary widely based on why the flight was canceled or delayed, the airline’s policies, and even the country you’re flying from or to. Knowing what airlines are required to provide, and what they may offer voluntarily, can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.

American Airlines

If your flight is significantly delayed or canceled, they will rebook you on the next AA-operated flight with available seats. If there are no flights available on American Airlines until the next day, you’ll be rebooked on a partner airline instead. Compensation beyond that depends on the cause and length of your delay.

If the delay was due to something within the airline’s control (such as a mechanical issue or a crew scheduling problem), you may request:

• Meal vouchers for delays over three hours
• Hotel accommodations for overnight delays
• Transportation to and from the hotel
• Reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses

Delta

If your flight was canceled or impacted by a significant delay or significant schedule change (departure or arrival 3 hours or more earlier or later for domestic itineraries, or 6 hours or more for international itineraries — according to the website), they will automatically try to rebook you.

If you’re not satisfied with your rebooked flight, you can search for alternative flight options on MyTrips on Delta. You can also cancel your rebooked flight to receive a refund for the unflown portion of your ticket, as well as any pre-paid seat upgrade or Preferred Seat, or an eCredit valid for 5 years from issuance. If Delta can’t rebook you and you take no action within 24 hours, they will automatically refund your original payment method.

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Southwest Airlines

You are eligible for a refund if your flight is significantly delayed (generally a delay of three or more hours domestically and six or more hours internationally) and you decide not to travel. Southwest asks that you cancel your reservation at least 10 minutes before the new flight’s scheduled departure time in accordance with our no-show policy. If your new itinerary doesn’t work, they can rebook your flight. If you decide not to travel and you are not eligible for a refund because the delay is not significant, you must cancel your reservation at least 10 minutes before the new flight’s scheduled departure time in accordance with their no-show policy.

United Airlines

If your flight is canceled, delayed by more than an hour, or you missed a connection, United says it is actively looking for ways to get you back on track. United has a refund request that you may fill out. You can add up to 15 items per refund request, including your ticket, Wi-Fi, food, drinks, and more.

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Frontier Airlines

Frontier customers are eligible for a refund of the airfare (including any taxes and ancillary fees) if they do not travel due to a significant schedule change or a delay of 180 minutes or more for domestic flights, or 360 minutes or more for international flights. Refunds apply only if the customer did not take a rebooked flight (in the case of a cancellation), did not travel on the delayed or rescheduled flight, or did not choose to receive a travel credit instead.

Refunds will be issued to the original form of payment either upon request or automatically after the scheduled departure date. Refunds will be processed within seven (7) business days. Customers unable to travel due to a serious communicable disease may be eligible for a transferable travel credit.

Traveling can be stressful, especially when you encounter delays and cancellations. We hope this information helps you when traveling in the future. Be sure to follow AllEars.net for more travel tips and information.

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