Holiday travel can be a stressful experience, especially when flights are delayed or canceled. With millions of passengers expected to travel during the holiday season, it’s important to know what you can reasonably expect from an airline in case your plans go awry.
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen over 2.5 million passengers daily from December 21 to January 2, following the screening of approximately 30 million travelers over Thanksgiving. While the TSA claims to be prepared for the busy winter travel season, it’s important to note that travel disruptions can still occur due to weather conditions and operational issues.
Last year, a winter storm across much of the U.S. resulted in the cancellation of nearly 20,000 holiday flights. Southwest Airlines also experienced an operational meltdown during the holiday season, which led to a fine of up to $140 million imposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation. These incidents highlight the potential chaos that can ensue during the holidays.
When your flight is canceled or significantly delayed due to reasons beyond your control, such as bad weather or operational issues, you have the right to contact the airline and ask for compensation. However, it’s important to note that U.S. federal law only requires airlines to compensate passengers who cancel their trip altogether in response to a canceled flight. The Department of Transportation determines on a case-by-case basis whether a delayed flight warrants a refund.
Therefore, there is no guarantee that airlines will provide compensation for delayed or canceled flights. However, it’s still worth being prepared and knowing what you can ask for in such situations. Here are some tangible requests you can make when contacting an airline’s customer service department:
1. Non-flight-related costs: If your flight cancellation or delay forces you to seek alternative transportation options, such as booking a last-minute rental car or Amtrak ticket, ask the airline if they will cover these costs. You can also inquire about whether they will cover some of your accommodation and food costs if you have to stay overnight due to a rebooked flight.
2. Credit card benefits: If you booked your flight using a credit card with trip delay or trip cancellation insurance, check with your credit card company to see if they will cover any additional costs. The specific terms and conditions of protection will determine what is covered.
3. Airline miles: In certain situations, airlines may offer airline miles as compensation for a canceled or delayed flight. If you used airline miles to book your flight and proactively canceled it, ask the airline to credit those miles back to your account. Additionally, airlines may award bonus miles or flight credits for future use as a form of compensation.
It’s important to note that airlines are not legally required to provide compensation for delays or cancellations. However, it’s worth contacting the airline and making polite requests for compensation based on the inconvenience caused. Being kind and respectful to the customer service representative can go a long way in resolving the issue.
If you hold elite status with an airline, you may have a higher chance of receiving compensation. However, even if you have a low-level status or no status at all, it’s still worth inquiring about receiving bonus miles or other forms of compensation.
In conclusion, while there is no guarantee of compensation for delayed or canceled flights, it’s important to know your rights and make reasonable requests when contacting the airline. Be prepared with the information outlined above and remember to approach the situation with kindness and respect.