Do airlines have to give you a refund if they change your flight?
  • 13 May, 2024
  • Travel tips
  • Travomint

Do airlines have to give you a refund if they change your flight?

Airlines aren't obligated to give refunds for every minor schedule change, but you have rights as a passenger regarding significant alterations. Therefore, if you seek how to get it, there are some prompt points that  you should know:

Cancelled Flights: This is the most precise case. Regardless of the reason, you are entitled to a full refund if the airline cancels your flight entirely. This applies even to non-refundable tickets – you can choose a cash refund over a voucher they might offer.

Significant Schedule Changes: Even if your flight isn't wholly canceled, airlines must offer a refund if they make a major change to the schedule. What constitutes "significant" can vary. In the US, the Department of Transportation (DOT) considers factors like the length of the delay, the original flight duration, and your specific situation. There's no set time threshold, so it's a case-by-case analysis. For instance, a two-hour delay on a short domestic flight might not qualify, but a four-hour delay on a long international trip likely would.

24-Hour Free Cancellation Window: In the US, airlines must hold your reservation for 24 hours after booking. You're entitled to a full refund without penalty if you cancel within that window. This is a great rule to take advantage of if your plans change shortly after booking.

What Airlines Might Offer if they change your flight?

  • While you have the right to a refund in these scenarios, airlines often try to incentivize you to rebook on a different flight. Here are some options they might present:
  • Rebooking on a Different Flight: This could be for the same day on a later flight or an alternate day that works better for them.
  • Travel Vouchers: Airlines might offer vouchers for the value of your ticket, which you can use for future flights. Be wary – these often include restrictions like expiration dates or blackout periods.

How do I request for compensation from the airlines?

  • You can quickly request compensation from the airlines by filling out the compensation form that, you have to be eligible for this; after that, you can quickly process, for,
  • Open the airline's official site,
  • Look for the manage booking option and add the booking reference number and last name.
  • Afterward, search for the compensation option, and the form opens, 
  • Mention all the requisite details in the form and continue to submit it.
  • Further, the airline will compensate you in a few days. 
  • Also, you can contact the airline person to request compensation quickly, and while getting it, if you interact with any issues, directly speak with the live customer service agent and solve all disputes that you are confronting. 

Which conditions will allow the airline to refund you?

  • Many conditions will allow a refund to you, like:
  • The airline canceled the flight due to technical issues.
  • The flight is delayed up to 3 to 4 hours of flying.
  • Having some medical, legal, or severe/specific issues.
  • Cancel the flight within 24 hours of booking up to 7 days of flying the flight.
  • Having insurance policy will offer refund whenever you cancel.