How delayed can a flight be to get a refund?

Flight Delays and Eligibility for Refunds

When air travel plans go awry due to flight delays, passengers may have the right to seek compensation in the form of refunds. Understanding the criteria that determine refund eligibility is crucial for travelers.

Domestic Delays

Domestic travelers who experience flight delays exceeding three hours may qualify for a full fare refund. This applies to all tickets purchased before the flight departure date, regardless of fare class or ticket type. It is important to note that delays caused by factors outside the airline’s control, such as weather or security issues, may not be eligible for refunds.

International Delays

For international travelers, the threshold for refund eligibility is set at six hours. Any delay exceeding six hours entitles passengers to a full fare refund. Similar to domestic flights, delays beyond the airline’s control may not be subject to refunds.

Refund Process

Airlines are obligated to process refunds promptly after determining that a flight delay meets the criteria for compensation. The refund should be issued to the original form of payment used to purchase the ticket. If a passenger paid for their ticket with a credit card, the refund will be credited to that card.

Additional Considerations

In addition to refunds, airlines may also offer other forms of compensation for flight delays, such as:

• Vouchers for future travel
• Accommodation or transportation
• Meal and beverage vouchers

Passengers who believe they are entitled to a refund should contact the airline directly and submit a claim. It is advisable to provide documentation supporting the delay, such as boarding passes or flight status information. Airlines typically have a time limit for filing refund claims, so it is important to act promptly.

By understanding the refund eligibility criteria and airline obligations, passengers can ensure that they are fairly compensated in the event of significant flight delays.