You had planned a long time for your trip and were looking forward to it. Now it looks like you are going to miss out because of a cancelled flight, and it does not look like any other flights are leaving soon for your destination. After such a disappointment, all you can think about now is how to get an airline refund—but knowing how to get it would sure help.
After COVID-19 struck our nation, airlines significantly reduced the number of staff they kept working. They reduced employees of all kinds—not even pilots, stewardesses, or ground crews were safe from the cuts. People just were not traveling anymore out of fear of getting the virus.
When an Airline Refund Is Required
The Department of Transportation (DOT) declared that there are several occasions when an airline is required to provide you with a refund. The following situations are law—and when applicable, a refund must be paid.When airline cancellations occur for any reason, you can get a refund. The exception is when you are offered an alternate flight or date and you accept it. If you are already partway to your destination, you will only get a partial refund.
Situations Where You Will Not Get a Refund
Buying a nonrefundable ticket for a flight does not need to be refunded if you cancel. It was not the airline’s fault that you cancelled. Also, if you get sick and cannot travel—or if you arrive at the airport late—you will not get a refund. A refund will also not be issued if you are unsatisfied with the experience for some reason—even if you purchased refundable airline tickets.Offers to Rebook Your Flight
When you are offered to reschedule your flight after a flight cancellation, according to TheBalance, whether you accept the offer or not is up to you. If you accept, no refund will be issued.Delay Time Varies
Each airline will interpret the phrase “significant delay” differently. TheBalance says that Delta requires a delayed flight to be 120 minutes or more, but United interprets it as 30 minutes or more. Before you fly, read the details on the airline’s website.Rescheduling Problems
Although an airline will likely offer to reschedule your flight, it could lead to a problem. If you are part way to your destination, being able to get on another flight could take some time—even days—if it is on a holiday weekend.Prepare for Delays
The New York Times recommends that you take steps to be prepared for a delayed flight. After all, you may get stuck at an airport for hours—or even days—if a large storm occurs, as many people discovered recently.What Happens During a Lengthy Delay
According to the New York Times, American Airlines will put its delayed passengers in a hotel—if one is available. The delay must occur on the day of the expected arrival. JetBlue provides compensation ranging from $50 to $200 if the delay is more than three hours.Getting Your Refund or Rescheduled Flight
If you are at the airport and discover airlines canceling flights, the first thing you should do is get in line at your airline’s ticket counter and try to get a refund or a rescheduled flight. Since this line may be long, you can try to reach your airline on your phone—which may enable you to have the matter settled before reaching the counter.When you experience a delay, talk to an agent to see if you can get on another flight—without an extra charge. If that does not work, find out if the agent can put you on a flight from a different carrier. If you are delayed for several hours, find out if the agent can give you some amenities—possibly a voucher for a meal or a hotel stay.
Remember that if you have an airline delay or flight cancellation, the law says you are entitled to a refund. It could be in the form of cash or a voucher. Airlines have been notorious for trying to get out of it—but you need to be forceful—if need be—to get what the law says you are entitled to receive.