Domestic and International Flights have significantly become more likely to be canceled as the United States scales back travel amid the Novel Corona Virus Pandemic. During this unprecedented time, Airlines are overwhelmed with the number of inquiries they have been fielding. Long wait times are not uncommon leaving many customers with no choice but to take the first offer provided by the Airline. I’m encouraging everyone to not settle for an Airline Credit if your Flight is Canceled or Significantly Delayed.
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What isn’t being discussed by the Airlines?
Despite the current turmoil, many Airlines have provided Flexible Change and Cancellation policies. Basic Travel Compiled a Master List of All of them which has been updated regularly. One particular topic that is not covered in many of those policies is Flight Cancellations and Significant Delays.
U.S. Department of Transportation Notice to Airlines
On Friday, April 3rd, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued an Enforcement Notice to all Airlines. Basically, the D.O.T. is clarifying that Airlines are obligated to provide a refund to customers when a Flight is Cancelled or a Significant Schedule Change occurs. This includes all flights to, within, or from the USA.
Are Airlines allowed to offer alternative compensation?
Yes, they are and most have been. Typically, if a flight is Cancelled or Delayed, the Airlines will push a credit that can be used for so many months into the future. I have heard from many of our readers that it has been difficult to even get the airline customer service representatives to pivot away from the credit at all. No wonder why so many people may end up believing that they have no other option.
How to ask for a Cash Refund from an Airline?
First, call the airline’s customer service phone number. I know that wait times have been long but it’s necessary to reach out and make contact. Some Airlines even have dedicated numbers for customers who have been impacted by the Covid-19 flight delays and cancellations. Once you’re connected, ask for a cash refund. If necessary, escalate the conversation to a supervisor or manager that can issue a cash refund.
I called and have gotten nowhere, now what?
If you have gone through the process of reaching out and not getting anywhere I can understand how disheartening it can be. This is the point where most people just give up and accept the credit. I’d suggest following up via all Social Media and any customer service emails that are listed on the Airline’s Website. This includes Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin. At the end of the day, this is creating more fodder for you to show that you’ve tried to seek a refund from the airline.
Still no Refund, What Else Can I Do?
The final two options are to file an official complaint with the Department of Transportation and pursue a Chargeback with your Bank.
Click HERE to File a Complaint with the Department of Transportation.
Click HERE for a step-by-step guide on how to Pursue a Chargeback.
Basic Breakdown
The sooner that you work through these steps the better. Given we are in uncertain times, waiting to pursue a refund or working through these steps will ultimately delay processing a refund.
Have you had a Flight Cancelled or Significantly delayed due to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus and saught a refund? Were you successful? Share how it went below in the comments or in our Basic Travel 3,500+ Member Facebook Group!
More Basic Reading
- Our Top Strategies for Cutting Travel Costs (Free eBook)
- Top Credit Cards Offers of the Month
- Master List of Airline, Hotel, and Travel Portal Change/Cancel Policies due to Covid-19
- Basic Guide to Balance Transfer Credit Cards
- How to Take Advantage of the Top 0% APR Credit Cards
- Basic Guide to Social Distancing
