Frequently asked questions

Your rights (quick read) No federal law requires cash compensation for delays, but airlines must give timely/accurate info about delays and diversions. New DOT rule: if a delay becomes a “significant change” and you choose not to travel, you’re entitled to a cash refund to your original form of payment (includes taxes/fees and unused extras like bags/seat). For controllable delays (airline-caused, e.g., crew/scheduling/maintenance), most U.S. airlines voluntarily provide care (meals/hotels/rebooking). If you accept a rebooking, you keep the care benefits; if you decline and don’t travel, you can take the refund instead. In the moment (do this) Ask: “Is this controllable or uncontrollable (weather/ATC)?” Get the reason written in your record. If 3+ hours and controllable: request meal voucher; if overnight: request hotel + ground transport. Ask for free rebooking (same day, same cabin). If limited options, ask about rebooking on another airline where available. If you’d rather not travel, say: “I’m invoking my refund right for a significant change.” Screenshot app alerts/boards and keep receipts for reasonable expenses; file with airline first, then DOT if needed. Airline Delay Commitments (controllable delays only) Alaska Airlines Meals for delays over 3 hours Hotel accommodations if overnight Free rebooking on Alaska flights or partner airlines American Airlines Meal vouchers after 3 hours Hotel accommodations for overnight delays Free rebooking, including other airlines if required Delta Air Lines Meal vouchers for delays of 3+ hours Hotel accommodations if overnight Often proactive with automatic rebooking Frontier Airlines No meal or hotel guarantee Will rebook you on next available Frontier flight only JetBlue Airways Meals or vouchers after 3 hours Hotel accommodations if overnight Will rebook on JetBlue only Southwest Airlines Meal vouchers after 3 hours Hotel accommodations for overnight delays Will rebook on Southwest only Spirit Airlines Vouchers only for controllable delays over 3 hours No hotel guarantee unless overnight delay is airline-controlled No partner airline rebooking United Airlines Meals after 3 hours Hotel accommodations if overnight Rebooking on United or partner airlines available Official sources (clickable): DOT Final Rule: Automatic Refunds & Consumer Protections (what counts as “significant change,” refund speed, etc.) — https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/refundsfinalruleapril2024 Department of Transportation DOT “What Passengers Need to Know” explainer — https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/what-airline-passengers-need-know-about-dots-automatic-refund-rule Department of Transportation DOT Airline Customer Service Dashboard (who gives meals/hotels/rebooking) — https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/airline-cancellation-delay-dashboard

Your rights (quick read) If your flight is canceled for any reason and you don’t accept the alternative offered, you’re entitled to a full cash refund to your original form of payment (ticket + taxes/fees + unused extras). For controllable cancellations, most U.S. airlines commit to care (meals/hotel) and free rebooking; some will rebook on partners. (see below) In the moment (do this) Ask for the reason and a written note in your record. Decide: refund (don’t travel) or rebooking (do travel). If rebooking is far out, ask for partner airline options where available. If overnight and controllable: request hotel + ground transport and meal vouchers. Keep receipts and screenshots; if refused, file a complaint with DOT. Airline Delay Commitments (controllable delays only) (Controllable Cancellations Only — e.g., staffing, maintenance, scheduling) Alaska Airlines Meals for cancellations Hotel accommodations if overnight Free rebooking on Alaska flights or partner airlines American Airlines Meal vouchers after cancellation Hotel accommodations if overnight Free rebooking, including on other airlines if required Delta Air Lines Meal vouchers for cancellations Hotel accommodations if overnight Often proactive with automatic rebooking Frontier Airlines No meal or hotel guarantee Will rebook you on the next available Frontier flight only JetBlue Airways Meals or vouchers after cancellation Hotel accommodations if overnight Will rebook on JetBlue only Southwest Airlines Meal vouchers after cancellation Hotel accommodations for overnight cancellations Will rebook on Southwest only Spirit Airlines Vouchers only for controllable cancellations No hotel guarantee unless overnight delay is airline-controlled No partner airline rebooking United Airlines Meals after cancellation Hotel accommodations if overnight Rebooking on United or partner airlines available Official Resources: DOT Airline Customer Service Dashboard DOT Refund Rules