What rights do passengers have when flights in the USA are delayed?
What rights do passengers on delayed flights in the USA have? In some countries, depending on the length and type of delay, passengers can receive a free phone call, meal ticket, lodging, booking on alternate carriers etc. Are there any rules in the USA or is it up to the airline to determine the policy? Also, does the kind of delay matter, for example weather delay, mechanical delay, air traffic delay etc.
I'm curious because a recent 1 hour weather delay on a short domestic flight meant that I was unable to make an international connection. Since that particular international flight only runs once on day, the 1 hour weather delay turned into a 24 hour delay. In my case, I didn't mind departing a day later, but I'm pretty sure that there were routes on other airlines that would have arrived at around the same time. Would I have any right to ask to be switched to those other airlines? Would it make a difference if it was a mechanical delay instead of a weather delay (ie. the airlines fault)?
Best Answer
For most weather related cancellations or delays (technical term is WX), as Beofett noted, the airline typically owes you nothing more than eventually getting you there (sometimes even by bus, although difficult to do in over-water flights :D), or refunding you your money.
For mechanical delays or cancellations (MX), the airline has a much higher obligation - usually re-routing you on other airlines or offering you overnight accommodations.
Here's some tips for handling irregular operations (IROPS):
- Fly enough to earn status on an airline. The higher the status, the greater the likelihood of you getting something comped in IROPS
- Definitely ask if there are any flights on partners or, failing that, other airlines. The originating carrier is usually loath to send you on a competitor, but sometimes it happens
- Be nice and courteous to the agent! Although you've had a rough day and it's not your fault, it really isn't theirs either. If the gate agent is harried, find one at another gate, or call the airline number.
- If your trip was now wasted because you missed the flight, tell the agent that it was a "trip in vain" and you just want to go home. They may not refund your ticket price from the hub to your home, but you should at least get the fare difference back on the int'l portion.
- Schedule more time in between flights. Given it was a once-a-day to some far-off destination, you only had an hour's buffer? That's super risky, especially in summer months (thunderstorms, etc.). I usually try and have 3-4 hours minimum - I check and make sure there's at least one more flight in between my flight and the int'l departure, in case something happens to the first one.
- For the longer layovers, get a lounge pass for one of the airlines. It's much quieter, calmer, and usually there's free food, drink, and internet to pass the time
- Sleep at the airport - check out http://www.sleepinginairports.net/ . I've spent a few overnighters in airports and if you do it right, you can actually get a reasonable night's sleep, and be ready for the 6AM flight outta there!
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What are your rights if your flight is delayed or canceled?
Refund entitlements for your flight The US Department of Transportation says you are entitled to a refund of your ticket cost because of a cancellation or "significant delay" and you choose not to travel. This is the policy regardless of the reason the airlines cancels or delays the flight.How long does a flight have to be delayed before compensation?
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.)What obligation if any does an airline have to passengers when it cancels a flight due to bad weather?
The DOT says if a flight is canceled for any reason and the traveler chooses not to be rebooked on that airline, regardless of whether or not you booked a refundable ticket, the passenger is entitled to a full refund. You may even be entitled to a refund for a flight delay, depending on the circumstances.Flight Delays, Cancellations Decrease In July For U.S.
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Answer 2
I'm curious myself and did a Google search. I could only find some new news from PBS. They covered the new Passenger Bill of Rights (effective August 2011):
Excerpt:
Notification of Flight Changes: Airlines are now required to inform passengers of delays and bumps either at the gate, via cell phone, or online for domestic flights. This gives passengers the option not to board a delayed flight and arrange other means of arriving at their destination.
I will add more info as I have more time to do research.
One other note. Apparently, these regulations are enforced but often airlines violate these rights regardless of if they're law. They're willing to just pay fines instead.
Answer 3
If you are flying an EU-based carrier, the EU laws apply (even in the US). Regarding domestic flights, I am not sure. I am not a lawyer, but I guess that since many US airlines code-share with EU partners that buying your ticket from an EU company might give you more compensation rights, even in the US.
Since you are not stating the direction of your international connection, I am not sure if this answer applies to your specific case.
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