What to do if an airline refuses to refund your money?


What to do if an airline refuses to refund your money? If an airline flat-out refuses a refund, and you think you're entitled to one under DOT policy, your next best action is to dispute the charge on your credit card and file a complaint with the DOT.


Can I get my money back from a flight voucher?

Refundable fares are generally eligible for a full cash refund. Some tickets, including many basic economy fares, simply cannot be canceled. Some tickets can be canceled for a voucher refund, minus a cancellation fee.


Why do most airlines lose money?

Airlines provide a vital service, but factors including the continuing existence of loss-making carriers, bloated cost structure, vulnerability to exogenous events and a reputation for poor service combine to present a huge impediment to profitability.


Who to contact if an airline refuses to refund?

If you contact the airline or ticket agent to obtain a required refund and you are refused that refund, you should file a complaint against the airline or ticket agent with the Department at https://secure.dot.gov/air-travel-complaint.


How do I write a letter requesting a refund from an airline?

I have attached a copy of [state any copy of documents you attached to the letter] to this letter. I am now asking that [name of airline] provide a refund of my flight for [total refund requested] as per [name of airline]'s refund policy. Please refund this balance to [state where you want the refund sent to].


Why do airlines take so long to refund?

That may be because of the large number of flight cancellations and delays, as the airline industry has struggled to keep up with the post-pandemic demand for travel. On average, 1 in 5 flights arrived behind schedule as of July 2022.


Which airlines are giving refunds?

U.S. airlines that offer refundable and non-refundable tickets include Southwest, JetBlue, Delta, United, and American.


How much money will I get if I cancel my flight?

The amount of your flight refund is always the cost of the ticket. The amount of your compensation depends majorly on the travel distance of your flight. In the case of a replacement flight, it also depends on the flight time. It is possible to receive both flight refund and compensation at the same time.


Do airlines refund if you cancel?

Yes, you are eligible for a full flight cancellation refund. An airline must pay the airfare reimbursement within 7 days after the cancellation. You can also choose to rebook your flight for some future date. If you have booked your flight as part of a package holiday, you can claim a full refund of the package.


Why are airline tickets non refundable?

If every passenger was able to cancel for a full refund at any time, airlines would have to raise their prices across the board to account for this increased risk. This is also why nonrefundable fares are often the cheapest tickets offered by an airline.


What airline has the most debt?

American's long-term debt and finance leases load was down from a pandemic peak of $37.2 billion in the first and second quarters of 2021, but up $12.5 billion from the end of 2019. Comparatively, Delta Air Lines had $21.2 billion in non-current long-term debt, and United Airlines $28.6 billion at the end of September.


How do I ask my airline for compensation?

Tweeting at the airline's customer service team, submitting a request for compensation online or writing a letter the old fashioned way are other options that have met with success…


Can you sue an airline for not refunding your money?

If an airline is not honoring its refund policies or the airline's refund policies seem unfair or deceptive consider suing the airline in small claims court. In small claims court, the judge will be the ultimate decider of whether an airline's refund terms are fair or enforceable.


Is it easy to sue an airline?

The process is quick and affordable. You may file a lawsuit against an airline in small claims court as long as the amount you intend to sue for is within the small claims court limit (on average $10,000 or less). Up next: Learn more on how to sue an airline in small claims court.


Can I complain to IATA?

Can IATA help me with my airline/travel agency complaint? ?While we serve the airline industry, we are not a regulatory body, and cannot intervene in service disputes or other commercial matters involving airlines or agents and their customers.