Flight cancellations are on the rise due to severe weather, leaving travelers wondering about their rights and compensation options
Houston: A winter storm is causing chaos for travelers in the Southeast. It’s Tuesday, and the weather is really messing things up. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings from Texas all the way to the Carolinas. As of this morning, nearly 2,000 flights in the U.S. have been canceled. That’s a lot! United Airlines and Southwest Airlines are hit hard, with many cancellations happening yesterday.
In Houston, over 90% of flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport are grounded. New Orleans isn’t faring much better, with almost 90% of flights canceled there too.
If you’re affected, airlines are stepping up with travel waivers. So, what can you expect if your flight gets canceled or delayed because of this storm?
Different airlines have different rules about weather waivers, and they usually only apply for specific times. So, it’s a good idea to check your airline’s details.
If your flight is canceled, you’re entitled to a refund if you decide not to travel. If the cancellation is due to something the airline could control, like maintenance issues, you might get more than just a refund. You could be offered rebooking on another flight, meal vouchers, or even a hotel stay. But remember, weather-related cancellations are usually out of the airline’s hands.
The Department of Transportation has a handy dashboard where you can find out what services airlines offer for cancellations and delays. It’s worth checking out!
So, what counts as a controllable cancellation? According to the DOT, it’s when the airline is at fault, like crew issues or maintenance delays. Weather and air traffic control problems don’t count against them.
If your flight is delayed, there’s a new rule that says airlines must refund you if the delay is significant and within their control. A significant delay is defined as three hours or more for domestic flights and six hours for international ones.
While no U.S. airlines currently offer cash for delays, the big players like American, Delta, Southwest, and United do provide hotel and transport vouchers for long delays.
It’s smart to know your airline’s policies and be proactive. Reach out to them through their app, social media, or at the airport. Having alternative flights in mind can help when you talk to an agent. Don’t forget to ask about any accommodations or refunds you might be eligible for!
Contributing: Josh Rivera, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Flight cancellations pile up Tuesday. What are your rights?
