October 28, 2024
Flight canceled or significantly delayed??? As of today — you are now entitled to an automatic full refund. But that’s not all. There are other new airline rules that took effect today that will apply to your next trip… plus some limitations.
Before i get into what you need to know… you need to understand this is not new. I told you this was coming in this video back in april when the department of transportation finalized this rule that has been in the works for two years before that.
So here’s what you need to know. These rules will apply to all u-s airlines and any foreign air carriers that operate within the united states. And it is super super important for you to understand you are *not* entitled to a full refund if you accept alternate transportation from the airline or travel credits instead.
Ok – so how do these refunds work?
If the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight you will get your money back. Including on an non-refundable flight. A significant change is defined as –one—a delay to your flight of more than three hours domestically or six hours internationally – two– your departure or arrival is changed to a different airport – three– the airline added connecting flights to your trip –four — if you are downgraded to a lower class of service or –five—if your connection at a different airport of flight on different plane is less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.
If the airline loses your baggage and delays the return of it — after you’ve filed a mishandled baggage report — the new rule says you will be entitled to a full refund of your checked baggage fee. But only if your bag is not delivered to you within 12 hours of your arrival of a domestic flight or 15 to 30 hours of your international flight.
Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the extra fees your paid for an extra service that you didn’t receive — like onboard wifi, seat selection or inflight entertainment.
Lastly – this new rule requires airlines to provide you with a travel credit or voucher that will be good for 5 years if you are restricted by a government or advised by a medical professional to, from or within the united states because of a serious communicable disease. Of course, you may have to provide the airline with proof of that to be eligible.
So how do you get your refund?
Generally it will be automatic. You will see that money back on your credit card within 7 business days. Or 20 calendar days for other payment methods. That money must be refunded to you in cash or whatever your original payment method was. So if you paid using miles, you could get your money back in miles. But an airline may *not* substitute your refund with a voucher, travel credit or any other type of compensation unless the you specifically accept that alternative compensation.
The airline must provide a full refund of the ticket purchase including all taxes, airport fees or airline-imposed fees — minus the value of any portion of transportation you already used. So for example if you arrive at your connection and the airline cancels the second leg of your trip you will only be refunded for that second leg – not the full trip.
Read the DOT rules here.
