Can an airline cancel a flight and not reimburse you?

Under DOT flight refund policy, you are entitled to your money back, no questions asked, if your flight is canceled and you ultimately choose not to travel. It doesn't matter if the cancellation was the airline's fault or something out of its control, like weather.



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So the airline canceled your flight. First, don't panic. Federal law entitles you to a full cash refund for the cost of your airfare (regardless of the reason). Next, read on for step-by-step instructions on how to rearrange your travel plans and/or claim compensation.

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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.

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Note: While airlines are not required to issue a refund for non-refundable tickets, they are free to do so or they may issue a credit or travel voucher for future use on the airline.

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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.

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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.


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How do I accept or refuse a schedule change? Usually, you don't have to do anything when you agree to the schedule change. Just present yourself at the airport after checking-in. If you want a different flight or a refund, however, you must contact the airline.

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There are several reasons why flights may be canceled, including bad weather, air traffic restrictions, lack of airplane or staff, technical problems, and low passenger numbers.

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How do I cancel someone's flight? If you made the reservation, you just contact whomever you booked it with, and ask them to cancel it. If someone else made the reservation, you have no right if authority to cancel it, unless they used your credit card without your permission to book it.

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You must offer a refund to customers if they've told you within 14 days of receiving their goods that they want to cancel. They have another 14 days to return the goods once they've told you.

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If the Return & Refund Policy is not displayed or the retailer does not have a Return & Refund Policy, the buyer is entitled to a refund in the amount of the purchase price. Retailers are not obligated to provide a refund without proof of purchase.

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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.

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If your flight is covered under UK law, your airline must let you choose between either getting a refund or an alternative flight, regardless of how far in advance the cancellation was made. You can get your money back for any part of the ticket you have not used.

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If a flight you're booked on is delayed or cancelled you may be entitled to compensation. Under UK law, airlines are required to pay compensation to passengers when their flights are delayed or cancelled.

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