Can you receive a refund if your flight in Miami or Fort Lauderdale was canceled, delayed?
Thousands of fliers across the country have faced mass cancellations and delays amid a deadly winter storm that has blanketed parts of the U.S. with heavy snow and ice.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Transportation has announced that it’s looking into a high number of flight cancellations by Southwest Airlines. Though many domestic carriers had to cancel and push back flights due to inclement weather over the holiday weekend, Southwest Airlines canceled the majority of its flights Tuesday — with more disruptions expected in the coming days.
There were 3,148 flights within, into, or out of the United States canceled Tuesday, as of 8 p.m., according to FlightAware. Of those canceled flights, 2,671 were from Southwest Airlines. That’s about 85% of all canceled flights within, into or out of the U.S., according to FlightAware data.
Most carriers had already recovered from the storm that started late last week, according to the Associated Press.
Here’s an FAQ guide to help you navigate the stress of flying to or from the Sunshine State:
My flight was delayed or canceled. Can I get a refund?
If an airline cancels your flight, you’re entitled to a refund, even if you have nonrefundable tickets, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. This also applies to any bag fees you paid or extra purchases, such as seat assignments.
Keep in mind most airlines will try to rebook you for free on another flight or offer you a flight credit first. You can always say no and ask for the refund.
If your flight is delayed, odds are you likely won’t get your money back. However, this will depend on the length of the delay.
The U.S. Department of Transportation says you may be eligible for a refund if the airline makes a “significant schedule change and/or significantly delays a flight and the consumer chooses not to travel.”
READ NEXT: More flights are canceled from winter storm. How is that affecting airports in Florida?
So, what is a significant schedule change or delay?
The federal agency doesn’t define this. It notes that “Whether you are entitled to a refund depends on many factors — including the length of the delay, the length of the flight, and your particular circumstances,” the agency said in its website. “DOT determines whether you are entitled to a refund following a significant delay on a case-by-case basis.”
The Points Guy notes that while it may vary by airline, “significant delays” generally means “when your departure, arrival or connection times change by somewhere between one and two hours, or if you’re rebooked from a nonstop flight to a connecting itinerary.”
I was offered a flight credit/voucher? Should I take it?
Well, that’s up to you. However, if you’re considering accepting or requesting a flight credit/voucher, make sure to find out if there are any restrictions. That includes blackout and expiration dates, limits on the number of seats and the booking requirements.
Can I ask my airline to rebook me on another carrier?
Most airlines will try to rebook you on another one of their flights, but you can ask to have your ticket transferred to another airline. It will make your life (and the agent’s job) easier if you already know the flight you want to be transferred to.
But keep in mind that carriers aren’t required to do this, and make sure you’re extra nice to the agent.
My luggage is lost! Can I get a refund?
If you paid any bag fees, ask for a refund. The federal agency says passengers are entitled to get a refund if their baggage is declared lost by the airline. However, keep in mind that each airline has different policies on how long it will take for them to declare a baggage lost. So, don’t expect to get your money back immediately.
TIP: If you lost anything else, like a cellphone, laptop or your wallet at Miami International Airport or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, check with each airport’s lost and found.
READ NEXT: Leave your phone on the plane? Here’s how lost and found works at Miami, Broward airports
I’m stuck at the airport. Will the airline pay for a hotel room and my dinner? What about reimbursing me for my cruise?
You’re out of luck, bucko. Carriers aren’t required to compensate you for anything other than your ticket and fees such as bags and seat upgrades if your flight gets canceled, according to the transportation department.
Each airline has its own policies on what it will do for passengers with a canceled flight, so you might get lucky. If you find yourself stranded, ask airline staff whether the carrier will pay for meals or a hotel room.
What about that prepaid cruise or concert you missed while stuck at the airport? Sorry, airlines don’t have to reimburse you for that.
This story was originally published December 27, 2022 at 7:21 PM.
