Airlines owe you a lot less than you'd think when weather gets in the way of your flight (2024)

FAQs

Airlines owe you a lot less than you'd think when weather gets in the way of your flight? ›

No federal laws currently require airlines to compensate travelers for delayed flights

It might have been your airline's fault if there was a technical problem, or they overbooked. You're unlikely to get compensation if the delay was because of something outside the airline's control, like bad weather or a security risk.

"There are no federal laws requiring airlines to provide passengers with money or other compensation when their flights are delayed," according to the Department of Transportation. However, U.S. carriers have committed to various levels of compensation for significant delays within their control.

According to the airline's website, if your flight was diverted and you don't board another one to your final destination before 11:59 p.m., the airline will provide a hotel voucher, transportation to and from the hotel, and meal vouchers (if you are in the diverted city for more than three hours.)

To receive compensation, you must file a claim with the airline for the delay, and the delay must have been caused by a factor within the airline's control (so a weather delay wouldn't count).

The group said the 11 largest U.S. airlines issued $43 billion in customer refunds from 2020 through 2023. Passengers whose flights are canceled or "significantly delayed" will get automatic cash refunds from airlines under final rules approved April 24 by the Transportation Department.

If an airline cancels your flight less than 14 days before departure and you choose to cancel your trip entirely, you're entitled to a refund of both your plane ticket and any pre-paid baggage fees (in most cases). This typically applies even if you have non-refundable tickets.

If a flight is “significantly delayed” — which is determined on a case-by-case basis — passengers have essentially the same options as with cancellations. “If you ask, we'll give you a voucher for food at airport vendors who accept our vouchers,” Southwest officials stated.

You'll start being eligible for compensation if your flight arrives three hours (or more) later than scheduled. So if you're on a flight that takes off four hours late but lands two hours 55 minutes late, you won't be eligible. Your arrival time is deemed to be when at least one of the plane doors is opened.

Two hours' delay and compensation

Your replacement flight must get you to your end destination within two hours of the original arrival time, or the airline has to compensate you for loss of time.

What am I entitled to if my flight is diverted? ›

Services you are entitled to in case of a flight diversion

If the flight is delayed by more than 3 hours, you have the right to assistance services such as meals, refreshments, two telephone calls, or emails. If the aircraft lands at a different airport, the airline must transport you to your original destination.

Your airline is obligated to get you on the next available flight to your destination. Or, if that doesn't work for you, ask them to refund your flight and put you on a return flight back to where you started.

Contact your airline directly

If you believe you have the right to claim compensation or reimbursem*nt, you should contact your airline or airport directly. Compensation is not automatic, and you will need to contact your airline to make a claim.

Rules Protect Airline Passengers

Airlines must return planes to the gate and let passengers off any time a flight is sitting on the tarmac for three hours (domestic flights). Airlines must provide passengers with adequate food and water within the first two hours of any tarmac delay.

For flights landing at U.S. airports, airlines are required to provide passengers with an opportunity to safely get off of the airplane before 3 hours for domestic flights and 4 hours for international flights.

Rights and regulations to know while traveling

In all these instances, airlines are required to offer overnight accommodation free of charge. To take advantage of canceled flight hotel compensation, the best course of action is to make yourself known to your airline in order to request assistance.

Bottom Line. For many situations, United isn't obligated to compensate you for a delayed flight. They will, however, work with you to rebook your flights and get you to your destination at a reasonable time. And if you're lucky, they may offer United miles or some form of a refund—just to keep a customer.

The airline should explain to you the reason for the disruption. If they consider it was due to extraordinary circ*mstances they will need to clearly set out why. If they reject your claim then you can consider whether to pursue it further.

Please note that we are unable to provide reimbursem*nt delays or cancellations arising from factors outside of our control, such as: Air Traffic Control delays. Weather delays.