Winter weather often causes flight delays and cancellations. While airlines cannot control weather, in the United States they are required to provide refunds to passengers whose flights are canceled. Here's information about your rights and what you should know when cancellations start to increase:
Pay close attention to the weather forecast
When airlines expect bad weather to cause problems for flights, they often offer travelers the chance to postpone their trip for a few days without paying any fees. Search online for your airline name and “travel alert” or a similar phrase to find possible rescheduling offers.
Check before going to the airport
It's better to be stuck at home or in a hotel than in an airport terminal, so before heading to the airport, use the airline's app or flight website to make sure your flight is still running. Airlines often cancel flights hours or even days before departure.
My flight was cancelled, what now?
If you've already arrived at the airport, it's time to look for another flight. Get in line to speak with a customer service representative, then call or go online to contact the airline's reservations staff. It also helps to contact X (this website was formerly known as Twitter).
Most airlines will rebook you on a later flight at no extra cost. However, this is subject to availability of vacant seats. The good news for winter travelers is that they have a better chance of finding a seat in January than during Thanksgiving and Christmas, when passengers can wait several days to find a seat.
Can I request to book a flight on another airline?
Yes, but the airline is not required to fly you on another airline. Some airlines, including the largest besides Southwest, say they can put you on a partner airline, but even then it's often hit or miss. CheapAir.com CEO Jeff Klee recommends researching alternative flights while you wait to speak with an agent.
Am I owed a refund?
If you no longer want to travel, or find another way to get to your destination, airlines are legally required to refund your money, even if you purchased a non-refundable ticket. It doesn't matter why the flight was canceled.
“They can't give you a coupon and you can get your money back,” Frugal Traveler executive editor Kyle Porter told The Associated Press last year. “This means you have to cancel your entire booking, but this may be an easy option for some travelers – especially if you end up booking a flight with another airline.”
You are also entitled to a refund for any baggage fees, seat upgrades or other additional charges you did not use.
Can I get compensation?
American Airlines is not required to pay cash compensation for stranded passengers and cover room and board costs, even if the flight cancellation was the airline's fault — such as a lack of crew, a mechanical problem that grounded the plane or a computer glitch that grounded the airline.
The Biden administration said last month it was working on a proposal to change that. Such a rule would make U.S. policy more similar to European airline consumer protection policies and go well beyond current refund requirements for U.S. airlines.
With just two weeks left before President Joe Biden leaves office, the fate of additional airline regulations will be decided by the administration of President-elect Donald Trump.
What else does the airline cover?
Each airline has its own policy. The U.S. Department of Transportation has a website that allows consumers to see each airline's commitment to refunds and other costs if a flight is canceled or severely delayed.
Other tips
If the weather forecast is disturbing, consider booking a backup flight, says Frugal Traveler editor Porter. Some airlines stand out as potential backups because they can get a full refund as long as customers cancel within 24 hours of booking.
If a large number of flights are canceled, airline agents can quickly be in trouble. If you are in a group and one of you is in a higher tier of the airline's frequent flyer program, call the airline using the number associated with that person. You can also try calling the airline's international assistance number (often available online), as these agents can also make changes to your itinerary.
Be good. The agent you're talking to is probably dealing with a lot of other frustrated travelers as well, and screaming at the agent won't make them want to help you. The cancellation is not their fault.
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