NATIONWIDE — Close to 4,000 domestic U.S. flights were canceled on Monday amid weather and staffing issues.
That has left many travelers stuck at their holiday destinations and scrambling to find a flight or other means of transportation back home.
In light of the crisis, the Wisconsin Better Business Bureau offered some tips for travel delays.
How can I check delays?
Typically, you can do this on the carrier’s website or via the airline’s telephone reservation system.
Airlines are required to update their flight information within 30 minutes of receiving a status change. Most of the time, these delays don’t occur until the day of the flight.
How do I get a refund?
Most domestic flights will try to get customers on the next available flight if their flight is canceled.
Typically, when a flight is canceled by an airline, consumers are entitled to a full refund, according to the BBB. That includes bag fees or extras, such as additional legroom for a seat.
Consumers can do this by visiting the carrier website, which the BBB said may be faster than waiting for a customer service agent in person or on the phone.
What about vouchers?
If you’re offered a voucher instead of a refund, the BBB recommends asking about expiration, blackout dates or other restrictions you may have on using the voucher.
However, the BBB said customers aren’t obligated to take the voucher and can still opt to ask for a full refund if they wish.
The only time you may not be entitled to a refund is if you canceled the trip yourself.
Who makes the rules?
According to the BBB, rules regarding domestic flight delays and cancellations are handled by the U.S. Department of Transportation. However, there are no U.S. federal laws that require airlines to compensate passengers for a delayed flight.
If a delay or cancellation occurred within an airline’s scope of control, airlines may have a specific policy for customers. Additionally, those that purchased a flight with a credit card that has travel protections may receive more benefits.
Check with your specific airline or credit card company to see what these may be.
Keep your records
The BBB also recommended keeping any receipts for extra expenses that pop up as a result of a delay or cancellations. These can be things like hotel accommodations. Later, you can submit them for reimbursement to the airline or credit card company.
What do I do if I’m not in the U.S.?
If your flight was canceled while you’re in another country, the rules will be different. Rules will abide by the laws of that nation, so the BBB recommends checking the local country’s department of transportation.