What to do if an airline won t refund your cancelled flight?


What to do if an airline won t refund your cancelled flight? 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 long does it take to get a refund after Cancelling flight?

Airlines and ticket agents are required to make refunds promptly. For airlines, “prompt” is defined as being within 7 business days if a passenger paid by credit card, and within 20 days if a passenger paid by cash or check.


Do airlines pay for hotels if flight is Cancelled?

Some will rebook on a partner airline at no additional cost. All major airlines — except for Frontier — will cover a hotel stay and transportation to the hotel in the event of an overnight cancellation.


What happens if an airline cancels an international flight?

Federal law doesn't require airlines to pay compensation to passengers for delays, Palmer said. If airlines cancel a flight for any reason, passengers are legally entitled to a full refund, including for ticket price, taxes, baggage fees, extra charges and ancillary fees.


Can you file a claim against an airline?

DOT requires airlines that fly to, from, or within the United States to state on their websites how and where complaints can be submitted. There may be a form on the airline's website for this purpose. Often, you may also email or write to the airline or ticket agent's consumer office at its headquarters.


On what grounds can you sue an airline?

Individuals can sue airlines in small claims court for damages caused by an airline's negligence. For example, damages can arise from personal injuries (for example a broken arm) or from emotional distress caused by an airline's negligent treatment.


Does travel insurance cover cancelled flight?

Comprehensive travel insurance typically covers canceled flights that delay your trip for at least 3–12 hours. If your flight is delayed more than 12 hours, you may even qualify for trip cancellation coverage, depending on your plan.


Can economy flights be refunded?

Basic Economy tickets can't be changed but can be canceled and refunded within 24 hours of booking as long as it's one week or more before your scheduled departure.


Can I cancel my flight and get a refund Europe?

YES - you have rights under EU rules. You are entitled to reimbursement of the full cost of your ticket for the part of your journey not made or re-routing at the earliest opportunity.


Can I sue airline for stress?

When passengers fear for their lives due to some type of airline mishap, they can sue an airline for emotional distress to receive compensation.


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 better to cancel a flight or miss it?

If you know you can't make a scheduled flight, it's better to cancel your flight rather than be a no-show. If you cancel, you might receive a partial or whole credit for the fare purchased, to be applied to a future flight.


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.


What are valid reasons to cancel a flight and get a refund?

Covered reasons for Trip Cancellation
  • Medical reasons (unforeseen ailment, injury or death in the family)
  • Inclement weather or natural disasters (tropical storms, hurricanes, etc.)
  • Terrorist attack (in or around where you're planning to visit)
  • Financial default (of a carrier)
  • Involuntary layoff or termination.


Do airlines have to compensate for cancelled flights?

Delayed and Canceled Flights
The DOT does not require the airline to offer compensation, but it doesn't hurt to ask. With no federal compensation requirement for delayed passengers, refer to the policies of the operating airline to determine what compensation the airline will offer.