Everything You're Entitled to When Your Flight Gets Delayed or Canceled
In recent days, travelers have faced the highest wait times in TSA history , "with some wait times greater than 4.5 hours," said the agency's acting chief, Ha Nguyen McNeill, in a testimony before the House Committee on Homeland Security on March 25.
Unlike weather delays that clear up on their own, this madness could continue as long as the partial government shutdown does.
Airlines are bracing themselves for more record-breaking security lines, which means more chaos and more uncertainty.
You want to be prepared to fight for what you’re entitled to when an airline, for lack of a better phrase, utterly screws you over.
Here’s how to always get the most money possible from a canceled or delayed flight.
Federal law still does not require airlines to provide passengers with money or other compensation when flights are delayed.
This means that in most cases, compensation is at the discretion of the airline.
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.
This typically applies even if you have non-refundable tickets.
Again, federal law does not require airlines to provide passengers with any sort of reimbursement when flights are delayed.
When flights are delayed for unpredictable events like weather or mechanical issues, compensation is at the discretion of the airline.
However, the airline is required to rebook you on a different flight at no additional cost.
And if you end up stuck in the airport, it's up to the airline to decide what sort of vouchers they offer—more on that below.
Few things are as frustrating as finally making it to your destination, only for your luggage to be lost somewhere between your departure and your arrival.
Airlines are required to compensate you for any “reasonable, verifiable, and actual” expenses that arise due to your baggage damage or delay, according to the DOT .
