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

Air travel rules have changed rapidly recently, and if you haven’t flown in a while, there are some updates you need to be caught up on.

Orlando International Airport

You could be forgiven for not keeping up. TSA is constantly adjusting airport security protocol, airlines are getting rid of decades-old traditions, and air travel is more complicated than ever. The same can be said about airfare policies. If your flight is canceled, what (if anything) can you get back? How locked are you into your flights? We’re taking a look at how your money is protected when you book a flight.

How your flight is canceled matters. If your flight is canceled or undergoes a significant change like a flight moving by several hours, an airport swap, baggage delays, or other wild circumstances, you are entitled to a cash refund if you don’t take a new flight.

Orlando International Airport

This is currently a law in the United States, and refunds must be automatic and applied back to the original payment. So an airline can’t just offer you a voucher as compensation if you don’t plan to rebook. Additionally, extra purchases that include Wi-Fi and seat selection (among other perks) are refundable automatically if the airline does not supply those services.

Orlando International Airport

With that in mind, U.S. law doesn’t mandate that airlines pay you a full refund simply for being delayed.

There is also no federal rule that forces airlines to cover meal or hotel costs if you’re stuck overnight — even if the airline is at fault. Maybe mechanical issues happened, or there was bad weather. Tough luck, you’re on your own. Some travel credit cards and other travel programs DO, however, cover these kinds of costs, so you should read your benefits if you are a member of such a program.

Southwest Counter at MCO

At one point during the Biden Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) proposed changes that would have required airlines to pay passengers cash compensation for delays and cancellations caused by airline problems within a $200 to $775 margin — depending on how long you were stranded. Additionally, the DOT proposed enforcing reimbursements for meals, hotel rooms, and ground transportation costs incurred while being stranded or delayed.

However, those changes were never passed, and the current Trump Administration has withdrawn the proposal altogether, so those rules will not go into effect, at least any time soon.

©Tampa International Airport

Each airline carries its own airfare policies, and the policies themselves differ based on which airfare you’ve selected. It’s never a bad idea to read up on what your fare grants you and how it’s protected BEFORE making your purchase. Remember, in most cases, voluntary cancellation reimbursements are not protected by law, so you may want to see what kind of travel protections your chosen airline has before making any purchases.

In the meantime, be sure to ask for a refund if you don’t want the replacement flight if a flight is canceled beyond your control, keep records of your itinerary changes and communications, and check your airline’s contract of carriage.

Southwest at Orlando International Airport

We’re keeping up with all the latest travel trends and news, so keep it posted right here at DFB to stay in the know!

“Hate the New Changes.” Fans Are NOT Ready for This HUGE Southwest Airlines Change

DON'T DO IT ALONE!

Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise.

Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!)

So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you 🙂

Have you ever experienced a flight cancellation? Share your experience in the comments below!