A winter storm made its way across the eastern half of
By early afternoon in the East, more than 1,000
Airlines can’t control the weather, but they are still required to provide refunds for customers whose flights are canceled. Here’s what to know about your rights, and what to know when cancellations start piling up:
WATCH THE WEATHER FORECAST
When airlines expect bad weather to create problems for flights, they often give travelers a chance to reschedule their trip by a few days at no extra fee. Google your airline and “travel alerts” or similar phrases to see the offers.
CHECK BEFORE GOING TO THE AIRPORT
It’s better to be stuck at home or in a hotel than to be stranded in an airport terminal, so use the airline’s app or flight websites to make sure that your flight is still on before heading out to the airport. Airlines usually cancel flights hours or even days before departure time.
MY FLIGHT WAS CANCELED. NOW WHAT?
If you’re already at the airport, it’s time to multi-task to find another flight. Get in line to speak to an airline representative, and call or go online to connect to the airline’s reservations staff. It also helps to reach out on X, the site formerly known as Twitter.
Most airlines will rebook you on a later flight for no additional charge. That depends, however, on the airline having empty seats. The good news for travelers this week is that they stand a better chance of finding space in January than during the
CAN I ASK TO BE BOOKED ON ANOTHER AIRLINE?
You can, but airlines aren’t required to put you on another carrier’s flight. Some airlines, including the biggest ones except
AM I OWED A REFUND?
If you no longer want to take the trip, or found alternative means of getting where you're going, the airline is legally required to pay a refund, even if you bought a non-refundable ticket. It doesn't matter why the flight was canceled.
“They can’t stick you with a voucher, you can get your money back,” says
You are also entitled to a refund of any bag fees, seat upgrades or other extras that you didn't get to use.
CAN I GET COMPENSATION?
“I know how frustrated many of you are with the service you get from your
WHAT ELSE WILL AIRLINES COVER?
There is no federal requirement that airlines pick up the costs of hotel rooms or meals for stranded passengers. Each airline has its own policy.
OTHER TIPS
If the weather forecast is troubling, consider booking a backup flight, says Potter, the Thrifty Traveler editor. He says
If you are in a group and one person belongs to a higher level of the airline's frequent-flyer program, use the number associated with that person to call the airline, says
If lots of flights are canceled, airline agents will soon be swamped. Try calling your airline's international help number — usually available online — those agents can make changes in your itinerary too.
Be nice. The agent you're talking to is probably dealing with lots of other frustrated travelers too, and screaming at the agent won't make them want to help you. The cancellation isn't their fault.
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