Returning plane ticket if delayed in the USA
I bought a plane ticket on Southwest airlines. In case that it's delayed (for whatever reason), do I have the right to forfeit my ticket and get the fare refunded? Southwest's contract of carriage says this:
Delays or Involuntary Cancellations. If a Passenger’s scheduled transportation is cancelled, terminated, or delayed before the Passenger has reached his final destination as a result of a flight cancellation, Carrier-caused missed connection, flight delay, or omission of a scheduled stop, Carrier will either transport the Passenger at no additional charge on another of Carrier’s flights, refund the fare for the unused transportation, or provide a credit for such amount toward the purchase of future travel.
But what does "Carrier-caused" mean? Can I refund the ticket regardless of if the delay is caused by mechanical or weather issues?
Thanks.
Best Answer
"Carrier caused" delays are things like mechanical issues, crew scheduling issues, aircraft scheduling, etc.
Delays caused by weather related issues (which can apply to bad weather at another airport that your plane went through earlier in the day before reaching your airport), ATC delays, union strikes, etc are not covered under that clause in the contract. These type delays are not covered by any airlines, but on occasion airline representatives might go beyond the terms and provide assistance for delays out of their control.
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Can you get a refund if your plane is delayed?
Under federal law, airlines are obliged to provide a full refund to customers if a flight is significantly delayed and the passenger chooses not to travel.What are my rights if my flight is delayed?
When a flight delay occurs, you are entitled to assistance and a choice between rerouting, reimbursement, or rebooking. If you arrive at your destination more than 3 hours after your scheduled arrival time, you are entitled to the same reimbursement, rerouting, and rebooking structure as a denied boarding.Do airlines have to compensate for delayed flights?
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If you arrived at your final destination with a delay of more than three hours, you are entitled to compensation (unless the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances, like terrorism.)HOW TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOR FLIGHT DELAYS| AIRHELP
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