Last Updated on December 11, 2024 by Leslie Stroud <!– %AUTHOR_NAME% –>

Ah, the joys of air travel – the thrill of soaring through the sky, the excitement of new destinations, and, of course, the occasional… well, “unexpected surprises.” If you’re a seasoned jet-setter like us, you know that delays, cancellations, and lost baggage come with the territory. We’ve traveled over 1,000,000 miles as a family, mostly by air, and we’ve had our share of canceled flights, delayed flights, lost flights, and more.  It can be incredibly frustrating and difficult, especially with kids in tow.  Sometimes these mishaps are unavoidable, but there is something you can do about it!

Here’s some good news: did you know you now have the right to be compensated for these travel hiccups in the US?

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Compensation? For my flight troubles? Yeah, right!” But hang tight, because the US Department of Transportation has implemented some handy new rules. As of October 28, 2024, airlines are required to issue automatic refunds if your flight is canceled or undergoes significant changes. That’s right—no more jumping through hoops to claim what’s rightfully yours!

Europe has been on board with this for a number of years, and we’ve already submitted claims on a severely delayed flight where we waited over eight hours in the airport with five kids (not the most fun thing ever).  Thankfully, the US is catching the drift and allowing passengers to claim some reimbursement as well.

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What To Know about US Flight Compensation

First, you’re entitled to a refund if your flight is canceled or significantly changed and you don’t accept the significantly changed flight, rebook on an alternative flight, or receive alternative compensation. Airlines can no longer decide how long a delay must be before a refund is issued. Under the new rules, the delays covered would be more than three hours for domestic flights and more than six hours for international flights. This includes tickets purchased directly from airlines, travel agents, and third-party sites such as Expedia and Travelocity.

If your precious checked bag goes missing for more than 12 hours on a domestic flight (or 15-30 hours for international), you can get that bag fee back, no questions asked.

But wait, there’s more! Airlines must also reimburse you for any ancillary services you paid for, like Wi-Fi, seat selection, or in-flight entertainment, if they couldn’t provide those due to the delay or cancellation. Talk about a win-win!

One of the benefits of this new rule is airlines can no longer offer a travel voucher — which tends to come with an expiration date — and call it a day. Instead, the refund must be issued in cash or the original form of payment (like a credit card or miles). Airlines can substitute travel vouchers or other forms of compensation if the passenger willingly accepts it.

Airlines must also promptly notify consumers affected by a canceled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund.

Step-By-Step Guide To Claiming Compensation for US Flights

Alright, let’s break this down step-by-step so you know exactly how to navigate the compensation process:

1. Who Is Eligible

Any passenger whose flight was canceled, significantly delayed, or had their bags delayed on a US domestic or international flight departing from the US.

2. What About Compensation

You’re entitled to a full refund of your ticket price, as well as any fees for optional services you paid for but didn’t receive.

3. How to File a Claim

Most airlines have an online form or customer service line to submit your reimbursement request. Be ready to provide your flight details, confirmation numbers, and any relevant documentation.

4. What Documents You Need

Hang onto your boarding pass, any receipts for fees paid, and any correspondence with the airline about the disruption. This will be crucial evidence to support your claim.

5. Average Processing Time

Airlines have seven business days to issue refunds for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods. So don’t lose hope if it takes a little while – your money is coming!

The key is to be diligent, organized, and persistent. With a little elbow grease, you can navigate the US compensation system and get the refund you deserve. Just think of all the adventures that money could fund!

Sometimes refunds can take even longer (ever tried to claim anything on insurance before?!  Think the same here.), so be persistent.

US vs EU Flight Compensation

The landscape for flight compensation has shifted significantly, with the US recently adopting new, more passenger-friendly regulations. Let’s take a closer look at how the US rules now stack up against the long-standing EU system:

The key takeaway? While the US has made significant strides in protecting air passengers, the EU system still offers more comprehensive, standardized, and passenger-friendly compensation schemes.

The good news is that whether you’re flying in the US or the EU, your rights as a passenger have never been stronger. However, the nuances between the two systems mean you’ll need to adjust your approach accordingly.

Other Tips To Claim Flight Compensation

Friends, the moral of the story is this: no matter where your travels take you, know your rights as a passenger. With a little persistence and the right paperwork, you can turn those travel headaches into funding for your next big adventure.

To ensure you get the compensation you deserve, remember to:

1. Act quickly and gather all necessary documentation
2. Communicate clearly and persistently with the airline
3. Research the relevant passenger rights regulations
4. Consider hiring a service to handle the claim process

And keep in mind that as part of the new rule, you can expect a “significant change” as:

• A departure or arrival time that is more than three hours from the original time for domestic flights
• A departure or arrival time that is more than six hours from the original time for international flights
• Changes to the departure or arrival airport
• An increase in the number of connections
• A downgrade to a lower class of service
• A connection at a different airport or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability

So next time you’re stuck in an airport, watching your perfectly planned itinerary crumble, remember – there might be a silver lining. 

Happy travels, and may your journeys be filled with more magic than delays!

Leslie,

P.S. Don’t forget to check out my previous post on types of travel insurance, and which is best for you. Travel insurance isn’t something you should be traveling without!

Additional Reading

Travel Tip: How To Claim A Flight Compensation In Europe – Follow These 6 Steps

How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance for Your Family

Hot Tips for Buying International Flights for Your Family: 250+ Flights Later