NEW YORK (WABC) — A new Department of Transportation rule went into effect October 19, changing what airlines are deemed as disruptions within their control. This could mean fewer accommodations for passengers when flights are canceled or delayed.
Most passengers know airlines don’t owe you anything if something is out of an airline’s control, like extreme weather or war affecting your flight.
You used to be able to ask or sometimes fight for certain accommodations if the problem was something the airlines could have controlled, like mechanical problems with the plane.
But that has now changed.
Katy Nastro, travel expert with the app Flighty, says travelers should have the new rule of their radar before the holiday season.
“Travelers may not be aware. But when we get into Thanksgiving, sort of the end of November into the end of December, a lot more people are going to be traveling, and there is a higher likelihood for more people to get disrupted because of the high volume,” says Nastro.
So get ready! Here are the 10 disruptions that are no longer considered under the “airline’s control” according to the Department of Transportation:
- Airport closures caused by volcanic ash, wind, or wind shear
- Government system shutdowns
- Aircraft cleaning after a passenger death
If you have a cancellation or significant delay over three hours due to something that does fall within the airline’s control, you should be able to claim a meal or cash voucher. Also, most airlines will provide complimentary hotel accommodation for cancellations and delays that require an overnight stay.
Before booking, check out the Department of Transportation’s airline customer service dashboard.
This outlines what all the different airlines’ commitments are for controllable cancellations and significant delays. This may help you decide which airlines give you the most protection when something goes wrong, and that peace of mind can go a long way.
Next, if your flight is disrupted, get proof of exactly why in writing. This will factor into what you can request.
“I would highly recommend to just try to push the conversation to email, get somebody on support,” says Nastro.
Nastro also wants to remind passengers you can still decide to take a refund.
“Regardless of whether it’s in the airline’s control or outside of the airline’s control, this new rule does not erase the fact that you can decide, ‘You know what? I don’t even want to deal with this disruption. I’m going to take a refund and rebook myself at another time,'” says Nastro.
You also have the option to take the next scheduled flight.
It does not hurt to ask. If you get a nice gate agent or someone on the phone, simply ask if you can get a meal voucher for your family.
Also, check your credit card. They have wider protections for their cardholders for refunds and compensation, especially if you have a travel rewards card.
Finally, consider travel insurance. That extra money it costs to insure your flight will give you more latitude to get something back.
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