How to Keep Your Deposit When a Flight Cancels |
Posted: November 29, 2017 |
Flights are often the most expensive factor when it comes to traveling. If you’ve ever flown before, you know that flights can be hit or miss. From weather issues to a mechanical problem with the plane, there are all sorts of factors that can cause a flight to be delayed or cancelled. If you have an upcoming trip, you’ll want to make sure you know how to protect your travel investment. Keep reading to about keeping your deposit when a flight is cancelled. Know Your Flight’s Status As your departure date gets closer, it’s important to check your flight’s status often. Before heading off to the airport, ensure your flight is still on time. Even after you arrive at the airport, it’s important to keep tabs on your flight’s status. If you plan to leave the airport or if you head into one of the restaurants to grab a meal before departure, you can check your flight’s status using the airline’s mobile app. The app will also come in handy once you’re in the air as you can make in-flight purchases such as food, drinks, and Wi-Fi. You may also want to consider using the mobile app for paperless boarding. Consider the Reason for the Cancellation or Delay There are definitely situations when you'll want to request compensation for a cancelled flight. Other times it makes sense to wait out the situation and wait for the airline to rebook you. The cancellation reason often drives whether or not you’ll be compensated. Air travel controls to increase each year. With hundreds of flights in the air at any given time, you can imagine that air traffic control is worked to its maximum ability. Since air traffic control has the say when it comes to ground and air operations, it's unlikely you'll receive a compensation for a full pattern. Travelers also aren't likely to be compensated if a flight is cancelled because of weather issues. Though it's frustrating to have weather impact your travel plans, flights are cancelled in order to keep passengers out of harm’s way. Flying through a thunderstorm or having to risk landing on an icy runway puts the health of the plane and its passengers at risk. Aside from air traffic control and weather, airlines are also less likely to reimburse travelers if their plan is cancelled because of:
If an airline cancels your flight for reasons within their control, you're much more likely to receive compensation. Of course, flight delay compensation United airlines and flight delay compensation for Southwest are different, so be sure you know your airline’s delay and cancellation policy. Compensation Options If your flight is cancelled, your airline will rebook you on the next available flight to your destination or you may be booked through another carrier. When a cancelled flight causes you to stay overnight to wait for your new flight, airlines will usually pay for a hotel stay. But, if you’re local to the area, the airliner is less likely to pay. This compensation is usually reserved for out-of-town travelers. If you’re unable to rebook a flight or if you’d rather reschedule your travel plans, you can contact the airline to be compensated for the cost of your ticket. To be reimbursed, you can request a full refund from the airline. The process of requesting a refund can be done over the phone or online. Tips for Reimbursement The frustration of a cancelled flight can cause all sorts of emotions. If you’re facing a cancelled flight, you’ll want to stay as calm and collected as possible. Getting angry with airline customer service reps isn’t likely to help your case. To boost your chances of getting reimbursed:
While it’s hard to accept a cancelled flight, staying positive and being understanding with airline reps will often work in your favor. The airline may be able to rebook you on the next flight in 1st class, or maybe the airline will pay for your meal while you wait for your new departure time. Conclusion Flight costs can range from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars. When you’re planning a new trip, be sure you research the airline’s cancellation policy, especially in regards to refunds and rebooking options. Most importantly, plan your travel wisely. Avoid traveling south during hurricane season and be aware of impending weather forecasts. While most cancellation factors are out of anyone’s control, there are ways to minimize your chances of having to deal with a flight cancellation.
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