Can United make me pay for rebooking a flight cancelled due to snowstorm?
My United flight to Europe originally scheduled for tomorrow 3/14 has been cancelled. I got an email from United asking me to choose from various alternative flight options, however the "list of options" they gave is currently empty (it is a link, so could potentially have other options later).
There is a current "travel advisory" on their website for 3/14 and 3/15, saying change fees are waved (because of the impending snow storm). However, when I go to change my flight (through the usual "change flight" option on their website, as opposed to the "rebooking link" they sent me via email) there is a fare difference / fee associated with the change, about $2000. Upon closer inspection, the travel advisory states that there is no charge for changing to another United flight to the same destination, but United doesn't fly to my destination (I don't think) except through Star Alliance partners.
I am planning to call them to see what my options are, and I'm hoping they will give me some reasonable ones. What are they required to offer me in terms of alternative flight arrangements? There are plenty of star alliance partner flights available the next day 3/15, however United seems to be doing its best to get me to pay for these, rather than rebook me on them for free. Within what time frame are they required to rebook me? Are they allowed to make wait until there is available seat on a United flight (which might not be for another few days) when there are plenty of star alliance partner flights they could put me on?
Best Answer
The answer to the main question is NO. But...
The problem you having is that the regular web booking engine is not 'aware' of the storm so it's just pricing out a regular change.
One strategy that might work is choosing the alternate flight you want and putting it on hold if that available, then get on the phone and wait to talk to an Agent.
It shouldn't matter that the destination is not served by United on their own metal, they will rebook you on any Star itinerary that is available, especially Lufthansa or Air Canada as they have a TA Joint Venture.
If you have the ability to get to alternate airports, let the Agent know.
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What happens if my flight is Cancelled due to snow?
\u201cIf your flight is severely delayed or cancelled and the airline offers to rebook you on a later flight, but you realize you're going to miss the event or purpose that you're traveling for, know that you can get a full refund even on a non-refundable ticket,\u201d says George Hobica, founder of AirfareWatchdog.What happens if your flight is Cancelled due to weather United?
Rebook your flight. You can rebook yourself on the earliest flight with available seats. These are the same options you'll get when speaking with an agent, so skip the line and get a new flight without the wait.Can you reschedule a flight due to weather?
The snaking line at the customer service counter or gate and the airline's reservations centers aren't the only way to book a new flight. Many airlines allow you to rebook your flight (if they haven't already or you don't like the flight they picked) on their websites and mobile apps.Do airlines have to refund Cancelled flights due to weather?
Flights cancelled and/or delayed due to weather. If passengers are unable to fly on time due to severe weather conditions, thick fog or an ash cloud, generally speaking, they are not entitled to compensation.More answers regarding can United make me pay for rebooking a flight cancelled due to snowstorm?
Answer 2
I ended up calling United, and they were happy to put me on a Lufthansa flight the next day, free of charge.
Thanks to everyone for the answers/comments.
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