AI Flight Refunds: Get Your Compensation Fast and Hassle-Free with Advanced Technology (Get started for free)
What are my options for getting a refund after a disrupted flight?
Airlines are legally required to provide cash refunds if they cancel a flight, regardless of the reason, under the U.S.
Department of Transportation's (DOT) new "Airline Passenger Refund" rule as of October 2023.
For flight delays, you may be eligible for a refund if the delay is over 3 hours for domestic flights or 6 hours for international flights, as per the new DOT regulations.
If your flight is significantly changed (e.g.
more than a 3-hour delay in arrival time), the airline must offer you a refund, even if you initially booked a non-refundable ticket.
Baggage fees must be refunded by the airline if your checked bags are delayed by more than 12 hours for domestic flights or 24 hours for international flights.
The amount of refund you receive depends on the original ticket price, not the discounted fare you paid, under the DOT's "Price of the Ticket" rule.
Airlines have 7 business days to process your refund request for a canceled flight and 20 business days for a significantly changed flight, per DOT requirements.
You can file a complaint with the DOT if an airline refuses to provide a refund you're entitled to, which may result in the airline being fined.
The EU has similar passenger rights laws, such as EC 261, that require airlines to provide refunds for canceled or significantly delayed flights within the EU.
Some airlines may offer travel vouchers instead of cash refunds, but you have the right to request a full cash refund if you prefer.
Disruptions due to "extraordinary circumstances" like weather or air traffic control issues may not qualify for a refund, but the airline must still make a reasonable effort to rebook you.
If you booked through a third-party site, you may need to go through them to request a refund, as they are considered the "ticket agent" under DOT rules.
Carefully review your airline's contract of carriage and any applicable passenger rights laws to understand your specific refund options for a disrupted flight.
Airlines must allow you to request a refund within 24 hours of booking if your flight is at least 7 days away, as per the DOT's "24-Hour Refund Rule."
Refund policies can vary between airlines, so it's important to check each carrier's policies before booking to understand your potential recourse for disruptions.
The DOT's new "Refund for Delayed Baggage" rule requires airlines to proactively refund any baggage fees if your luggage is delayed by more than 12 hours.
If you purchased travel insurance, you may be able to file a claim to recoup additional expenses incurred due to a flight disruption, such as hotel stays or meal costs.
Airlines must provide a clear, prominent, and up-to-date disclosure of their refund policies on their websites and in their contracts of carriage under DOT requirements.
The DOT's "Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights" also entitles passengers with disabilities to refunds for disruptions that prevent them from traveling as planned.
In the case of a flight cancellation, you have the right to choose between a refund or rebooking, even if you originally purchased a non-refundable ticket.
The DOT's "Transparency in Airline Ancillary Fees" rule mandates that airlines must disclose all potential fees, including change and cancellation fees, at the time of booking.
AI Flight Refunds: Get Your Compensation Fast and Hassle-Free with Advanced Technology (Get started for free)