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Flight Disruptions 101: Know Your Travel Rights

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What to Do When Your Trip Falls Apart

(Because Sometimes It Will)

Travel isn't always smooth—and when your flight is delayed, canceled, or your luggage disappears into the abyss, it can feel overwhelming. But knowing your rights and having a clear action plan can turn chaos into calm. Here's your step-by-step guide for handling travel mishaps—divided by Domestic (U.S.) and International Flights.


🛫 DOMESTIC FLIGHTS (WITHIN THE U.S.)


✈️ Flight Delays and Cancellations


Your Rights:

  • Airlines are not legally required to compensate you for delays or cancellations due to weather or operational issues.

  • If it’s a controllable issue (like mechanical problems), many U.S. airlines have Customer Service Plans with compensation policies (meal vouchers, rebooking, hotel stays).

  • If a flight is canceled, you are entitled to a full refund, even on non-refundable tickets.



Airline Commitments to the DOT:

Airline

Meal Vouchers (Delays)

Hotel (Overnight Delay)

Rebooking (Same Airline)

Rebooking (Partner/Other Airline)

Customer Service Commitment Posted

Alaska Airlines

Yes (controllable)

Yes (controllable)

Yes

Yes (if needed)

Yes

Allegiant

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

American Airlines

Yes (controllable)

Yes (controllable)

Yes

Yes (if needed)

Yes

Delta Air Lines

Yes (controllable)

Yes (controllable)

Yes

Yes (if needed)

Yes

Frontier Airlines

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

Hawaiian Airlines

Yes (controllable)

Yes (controllable)

Yes

Yes (if needed)

Yes

JetBlue

Yes (controllable)

Yes (controllable)

Yes

Yes (if needed)

Yes

Southwest Airlines

Yes (controllable)

Yes (controllable)

Yes

No

Yes

Spirit Airlines

Yes (controllable)

Yes (controllable)

Yes

No

Yes

United Airlines

Yes (controllable)

Yes (controllable)

Yes

Yes (if needed)

Yes


Action Steps:

  1. Ask why the flight is delayed or canceled. Get curious - they might not want to tell you if they know they are going to be on the hook - so just simply ask "oh man, what's going on? Is it mechanical or something?

  2. Reference the table above for your airline. Or for the most up to date information check the DOT website HERE

  3. Use the airline’s app or self-service kiosk to rebook quicker than standing in line.

  4. If stranded overnight due to a controllable issue, ask for a hotel voucher.

  5. Save receipts for food, transport, or hotels in case of reimbursement.


🔁 Missed Connections (Airline’s Fault)


Your Rights:

  • If the airline is responsible, they should rebook you at no extra cost.

  • You may be entitled to hotel and meal vouchers depending on the delay length and policy.


Action Steps:

  1. Head to the customer service desk immediately or call while waiting.

  2. Be polite but assertive: “This missed connection was due to the airline—what accommodations are being offered?”

  3. Ask for written confirmation of delay cause.

  4. Know your options—check alternate flights while you wait.


🎒 Lost or Delayed Luggage


Your Rights (U.S. DOT):

  • Airlines must compensate for reasonable expenses due to delay.

  • If the bag is declared lost, you're eligible for up to $3,800 in compensation (domestic).


Action Steps:

  1. Report it immediately at the baggage claim desk.

  2. Fill out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).

  3. Keep all receipts of purchases made due to the delay.

  4. Follow up via the airline’s baggage tracking service.

  5. File a claim within 21 days (ideally sooner).


🌍 INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS


✈️ Delays and Cancellations (EU Flights - EU261)


Covers: Flights from an EU country, or flights to the EU on an EU-based airline.


Your Rights (EU261):

  • Compensation of €250–€600 depending on distance and delay length, if the delay/cancellation was the airline’s fault.

  • Right to meals, accommodation, and transportation if stranded.

  • Full refund if flight is canceled and you choose not to travel.


Action Steps:

  1. Ask: “Is this a controllable delay under EU261?”

  2. Request written proof of the reason for the delay or cancellation.

  3. Use EU flight compensation websites/tools (like AirHelp or ClaimCompass) to file.

  4. Keep all receipts and documentation.


🔁 Missed Connections (Within the EU)

  • If caused by a delay or cancellation, you're covered by EU261.

  • You must have booked the entire itinerary on one ticket.

  • Compensation or rerouting must be offered.


Action Steps:

  1. Request rebooking on the next available flight.

  2. Ask for meal and hotel vouchers as needed.

  3. File for EU261 compensation online with proof.


🎒 Lost or Delayed Luggage (Montreal Convention)



Applies to most international airlines worldwide.


Your Rights:

  • Up to ~€1,600 ($1,700 USD) for lost, damaged, or delayed luggage.

  • Must file a complaint within 21 days for delayed luggage.


Action Steps:

  1. File a Property Irregularity Report immediately.

  2. Ask for compensation paperwork under the Montreal Convention.

  3. Save receipts of any purchases made due to baggage delay.

  4. File a formal written claim as soon as possible.


🧳 BONUS TIPS

  • Always travel with a carry-on essentials kit: medications, change of clothes, chargers, snacks.

  • Take photos of your luggage and packed contents before check-in.

  • Get travel insurance that includes trip interruption and baggage loss.

  • Know your rights BEFORE you fly. Screenshot this guide and save it offline.


✅ FOLLOW FOR MORE TIPS

Want to feel empowered, not overwhelmed, when travel goes wrong? Follow @chasingmemories.co on instagram so you can travel smarter, not harder.

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