Airlines are not required to provide compensation for delays or cancellations caused by weather.
Here are four things to know about canceled and delayed flights
When are you entitled to a refund or free hotel when traveling? Here are four things to know when dealing with canceled or delayed flights.
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- A major winter storm is expected to cause flight cancellations and delays across the eastern United States.
- Airlines are offering travel waivers allowing customers to rebook flights without penalty ahead of the storm.
- Airlines are not required to provide compensation for delays or cancellations caused by weather.
You may want to consider changing your travel plans if you’re flying out this weekend.
A gnarly winter storm is expected to pummel the eastern half of the United States with heavy snow, ice and dangerous cold, according to Accuweather.
Flight cancellations and delays could ripple across the country.
Airlines are preparing by preemptively offering travel waivers to customers whose flights may be impacted. Terms vary, but they generally allow travelers to rebook without penalty or get flight credit if they cancel their trips.
Whether or not you choose to fly, here’s what you should know ahead of the storm.
What happens if a flight gets canceled?
Airlines will automatically rebook you on another flight if your flight is canceled. Typically, it’s on the same airline, but depending on the reason for the cancellation and carrier, some may be able to rebook you on a partner airline.
If your flight is canceled for reasons within the carrier’s control – say due to staffing or aircraft maintenance – you’re entitled to a meal if you have to wait more than three hours for the next flight. If you end up stranded overnight, most airlines will also cover your hotel and ground transportation if the cancellation was within their control.
Weather is notably outside of airline control.
If your flight is canceled for any reason and you choose to no longer fly, Department of Transportation rules require the airline to offer you a refund, regardless of ticket type.
You can find airline-specific information on the DOT’s Airline Customer Service Dashboard.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
Airlines are obligated to get you to your destination, but they don’t owe you anything else for delays due to weather or anything else outside of their control.
It’s a different story for significant delays due to issues within their control.
All airlines will rebook customers on their same airline for significant delays (typically at least three hours) within their control, but some will also book customers on partner carriers.
Airlines will also cover meals for controllable delays at least three hours long. Most airlines will also cover a hotel stay and ground transportation for overnight delays within their control.
Again, weather is outside of airline control.
Additional details can be found on the DOT dashboard. It’s worth noting that U.S. regulators don’t require cash payments for delays. Also, even when it’s not required, airline customer service representatives may have the power to provide meal vouchers, mileage credit or other compensation for your trouble, on a case-by-case basis.
Travel waivers by airline
The following airlines are offering travel waivers ahead of this weekend’s storm.
As of noon ET on Jan. 21, most affected airports are in the Plains, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, but travelers should watch for additional offerings in coming days, as the storm pushes northeast.
Customers on other airlines should check options with their specific carrier.
American Airlines
Customers with flights to, from or through select airports between Jan. 23-25 may rebook without penalty. Changes must be made by Jan. 25 for travel by Jan. 28. Details can be found on American’s website.
Delta Air Lines
Customers with flights to, from or through select airports between Jan. 23-25 may rebook without penalty. New tickets must be issued by Jan. 28 for travel beginning no later than that same date. Details can be found on Delta’s website.
Spirit Airlines
Customers with flights to, from or through select airports between Jan. 23-25 may rebook without penalty. Fare differences are waived through Jan. 28. Details can be found on Spirit’s website.
United Airlines
Customers with flights to or from select airports between Jan. 23-25 may rebook without penalty for travel by Jan. 29. Details can be found on United’s website.
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