If your flight is delayed this holiday season, you may be entitled to a refund
With thousands of Americans getting ready to take to the skies for the holidays, it's a good time to review what you're entitled to if something goes wrong. If your flight is delayed you may be entitled to a refund or compensation under commitments various airlines have made to the Department of Transportation.
A new rule from the DOT that went into effect at the end of October requires airlines to refund passengers if their flight is significantly delayed for reasons within the carrier's control, and also makes airlines more responsible for following their own customer commitments in those cases.
Here's what to know.
What is a significant delay?
The DOT defines a significant delay as a departure or arrival that is three hours late or more for a domestic flight, or six hours late or more for an international flight.
What is a controllable delay?
According to the DOT a controllable delay is one caused by the airline itself. Controllable reasons include maintenance or crew problems, cabin cleaning, baggage loading and fueling. Things like weather or air traffic control flow programs do not count against the airline.
What am I entitled to if my flight is delayed?
If your flight is delayed significantly for a reason in the airline's control, you are entitled to a refund if you choose not to travel. If you decide to stick it out, you may still be entitled to some compensation or accommodation, including rebooking on another flight or airline at no cost, meal and lodging vouchers for qualifying delays and other benefits.
No U.S. airlines currently offer cash compensation for delays, but the big four (American, Delta, Southwest and United) all offer hotel and ground transportation vouchers for overnight delays.
The DOT has a dashboard that outlines all major U.S. airlines' policies.
What to do if your flight is delayed
Your best bet is to know your airline's policies before your trip and be your own advocate. Get in touch with the airline however you can, whether it's through the app, through social media, by phone or at the airport help desk if you're already on your way. It's usually a good idea to have some alternative flights in mind when you speak to an agent, and be sure to ask for any accommodation or refunds you may be entitled to if you plan to take advantage of those policies.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is your flight delayed? Here's what you're entitled to.
