Is it legal for airlines to not give refunds?

Q: Are airline ticket refunds required? A: Yes. Cash refunds are required by regulation when your flight is canceled, meaning it doesn't take off. The reason doesn't matter: it could be weather, staffing, equipment, security of something else outside of the airline's control.



People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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. Travelers must receive that refund within seven business days if they paid by credit card, and within 20 days if by cash or check.

MORE DETAILS

Am I Entitled to a Refund? In the following situations, consumers are entitled to a refund of the ticket price and/or associated fees. Cancelled Flight – A consumer is entitled to a refund if the airline cancelled a flight, regardless of the reason, and the consumer chooses not to travel.

MORE DETAILS

Cancelling a Ticket Reservation or Purchase within 24 hours of Booking. For airline tickets that are purchased at least seven days before a flight's scheduled departure date and time, airlines are required to either: allow consumers to cancel their reservation and receive a full refund without a penalty for 24 hours, ...

MORE DETAILS

So if your flight is delayed by 2 hours, there is no compensation. However, you can make a different claim. For example, if your flight is delayed by two hours or more, your airline must take care of you by offering you support services.

MORE DETAILS

Unfortunately, airlines don't guarantee their schedules and the fine print on your ticket (or email confirmation) usually means you can't sue for a canceled flight.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

As with a canceled flight, your refund must be paid in cash within 7 days by means of electronic bank transfer, bank orders, or bank checks. The airline may also offer you compensation the form of vouchers or services, but only with your signed agreement.

MORE DETAILS

But as a rule of thumb, only expect compensation when the delay is the airline's fault and lasts longer than three hours. If the delay arises from inclement weather, issues at the airport,or other circumstances outside the airline's control, you won't be eligible for compensation.

MORE DETAILS

My flight is delayed - am I entitled to money or other compensation from the airline? No. There are no federal laws requiring airlines to provide passengers with money or other compensation when their flights are delayed.

MORE DETAILS