IF you’ve received the dreaded news that your flight has been canceled, there are a series of steps you should take.
And don’t worry, following this travel advice will help you get your money back.
GettyThere are a series of recommended steps you should follow if your flight is canceled (stock image)[/caption]Last year, an average of one in every four or five flights was delayed in the US, with between 1% and 2% canceled altogether.
From bad weather to mechanical issues, there are a wide variety of reasons why your flight may be canceled.
If your flight is removed from the departure schedule, the first thing you should do is get on the airline’s app.
Nowadays, most airlines allow you to easily rebook your flight for free through their online platform.
This is provided you can supply your six-character reservation code.
If you’re already at the airport, you can get in line to speak with an agent.
Calling the airline or contacting them via social media may also prove helpful.
“During times of mass travel disruption, you should try all different avenues for getting help,” advised Nick Ewen, director of content at The Points Guy.
The expert also recommends a lesser-known tactic: calling the airline’s international numbers.
“While it can be costly, you can often get through to an agent more quickly,” Ewen explained.
And if you’re away from home, the next consideration should be booking accommodation, and you may want to hurry.
“If you were originally booked on the last flight of the night and there are no other options, grab a hotel room near the airport before they’re all taken,” Ewen suggested.
And while you will only receive a cash refund if you don’t rebook your flight, you may be eligible for other compensations, including meal vouchers.
Check out the DOT’s Cancellation and Delay Dashboard to see what each major airline offers in the event of a controllable cancellation.
You should also look into what’s available on other airlines as your original carrier may be able to book you on one of these flight at no additional cost if they don’t have anything suitable.
When are you eligable for a refund after a flight delay?
If the departure or arrival times for a domestic flight exceeds three hours If the departure or arrival times for an international flight exceeds six hours If there’s an increase in the number of connections If the departures or arrivals take place at a different airport than the one(s) originally booked If you’re downgraded to a lower flight class than the one you booked If you have a disability and your connections are at different airports and/or on different flights that are less accessibleHowever, it is worth noting that airlines are not legally required to do this.
The Department of Transportation has also introduced a series of new laws to protect travelers impacted by flight cancellations and delays in late 2024.
Under this new legislation, US airlines are required to provide automatic refunds for flight cancellations.
Previously, federal law entitled air travelers to full refunds for canceled flights, but the process was not as straightforward.
And if your flight is canceled, you can opt to rebook at no additional charge or you will automatically be issued a cash refund.
You are also entitled to an automatic cash refund for delays of at least three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.
Airlines have a maximum of seven days to issue a refund to your credit card, or 20 days for other forms of payment.
Refunds are only offered if the flyer doesn’t opt for an alternative route or the original delayed flight.
And if you’re worried about your flight being delayed, keep an eye on FlightAware, which gives you a good overview of how a day in the sky looks.
The platform’s “Misery Map” focuses on delays or you can also check the status of your flight in the 24 hours on your airline’s website.
If possible, be sure to check where the plane is coming from as conditions there can affect your flight’s status.
It’s also recommended that you opt to receive flight notifications from your airline.
Be sure to download your airline’s app on your phone, too as many airlines will show you where your incoming plane is currently.
Airline apps often has more up-to-date flight departure information than what’s on the departure and arrival boards at the airport.
And if your flight has been delayed, you should still give yourself sufficient time to arrive at the airport.
If your flight is still listed as “on time” when you check the app, leave for the airport according to the original schedule.
AlamyNew legislation protects US flyers if their flights are canceled or significantly delayed (stock image)[/caption] Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( First things you need to do if your flight gets canceled this summer – and the rule you must abide by to get a refund )
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