Know your rights: How to claim travel compensation for delayed or canceled flights

Few things are more rage-inducing and heartwrenching than a long-anticipated vacation ruined by airline cancellations. After the software update fiasco a few weekends ago effectively cleared the skies of any air traffic, it’s no surprise people have become apprehensive and downright worried that their anniversary, birthday, or visit to Grandma will turn into a travel nightmare.

If your long-awaited vacation gets a few wrenches thrown in at the airport, there are ways to ease the sting of disappointment, namely getting what you deserve in compensation. 

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Understanding flight delay and cancellation compensation

Under federal law, you are entitled to compensation if significant delays impact your travel day. If your flight was canceled 14 days or more before take-off, you are eligible for a full refund, including baggage fees or other perks purchased at checkout.

Additionally, any significant delays with departure or arrival times (more than 3 hours for domestic flights and more than 6 when traveling internationally) should lead to a substantial reimbursement.

Unfortunately, delays on the tarmac before take-off or landing do not fall into this rule. However, if more connections were added to your journey, you were downgraded or bumped, or even a full airport change will lead to federally mandated compensation.

LGBTQ+ politician and United States Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, has been firm about the issue, highlighting that it is the airlines’ responsibility to compensate each passenger properly. 

Not only that, but during his time as Secretary, he set up a comprehensive airline travel dashboard for easy policy comparison. 

How to claim your compensation

First, take a deep breath; remember that protections have been established for this kind of event. Airline agents, like anyone, will be much more willing to help if they aren’t being screamed at.

It is always a good idea to download the airline’s app or, at the very least, check the status of your flight online before leaving for the airport. If you’re already through security when the delay or cancellation occurs, immediately head to the nearest airline-specific customer service desk. Have someone in your party hop on the phone and call the airline customer service line as well, just in case everyone and their mother rushes to the airport booth and you’re met with a massive line of grouchy travelers.

Tips for maximum compensation

Review your travel insurance policy if applicable, as many situations that induce delays and cancellations are covered within the said policy. Do not leave the airport before receiving written confirmation about your full compensation package or, better yet, a check with your name on it. 

Most importantly, keep all receipts and documentation for any necessary purchase made because of said delay: meal receipts, transportation to and from the hotel when applicable, and any other unplanned expenses that arise from the delay.

Compensation amount and types

According to the new laws in place by the DOT, a delay of 3+ hours makes you eligible for a 200% refund of the original ticket price or a max of $775, whereas a 6+ hour delay requires airlines to refund 400% with a maximum payout of $1,550.

Depending on circumstance and passenger need, you could receive an automatic cash refund, a travel credit from the specific airline, hotel accommodation (if an overnight delay occurs), and on-site meal vouchers.

In some cases, the airline or travel agency will try to rebook a different holiday plan, provided it is appealing to the passenger and fits their vacation needs. In these cases, don’t forget to inquire about “change fees,” as many airlines impose these fees regardless of compensation status. Depending on the circumstances, it is possible to get these fees waived.

For many, a full refund and vouchers (if applicable) are much more appealing and allow more flexibility for the customer, so do what works best for you.

It’s important to know your rights as a traveler and ensure you get everything you’re entitled to if something goes wrong. We hope your next adventure goes off without a hitch, but if you run into a few snafus, ensure you get what you deserve. Safe travels!