Do airlines have to pay for cancelled flights?

Do Airlines Have to Pay for Cancelled Flights?

Yes, airlines are now required to pay for canceled flights. This is a new regulation that went into effect on October 28th, 2024. Prior to this, passengers were often left with little recourse when their flights were canceled. They would have to contact the airline and try to negotiate a refund or credit, which could be a time-consuming and frustrating process.

Under the new regulation, airlines are required to automatically refund passengers for canceled flights. This refund must be in the form of the original payment method, such as a credit card or debit card. If the flight is canceled within 14 days of departure, the refund must be issued within 7 days. If the flight is canceled more than 14 days before departure, the refund must be issued within 30 days.

In addition to a refund, airlines are also required to pay for any reasonable expenses that passengers incur as a result of the cancellation. This could include the cost of a hotel room, a rental car, or a new flight.

This new regulation is a major victory for consumers. It provides passengers with much-needed protection when their flights are canceled. No longer will they have to worry about being left stranded without any compensation.

Here are some key details about the new regulation:

• It applies to all flights that are canceled by the airline, regardless of the reason.
• It does not apply to flights that are canceled due to weather or other force majeure events.
• It does not apply to flights that are canceled by the passenger.
• It does not affect the passenger's right to compensation under other laws, such as the Montreal Convention.

If you have a flight that is canceled, you should contact the airline to request a refund. You should also keep track of any expenses that you incur as a result of the cancellation. If the airline does not provide you with a refund or reimbursement for your expenses, you may file a complaint with the Department of Transportation.