Inclement weather has been a major obstacle disrupting travel plans of millions of travelers across the world. Climatic conditions heavily impact flight schedules and result in delays, cancellations, and possibly even missed flights. So, as a traveler, you definitely need to ponder whether you can receive reimbursement for flights cancelled by airlines due to weather-related problems.
As a matter of fact, airlines are not bound by any federal law to compensate passengers due to weather conditions, as such unexpected situations are out of their control. However, many airlines have still defined their own policies to help passengers enjoy relief in terms of claims.
This blog takes you through such policies announced by various airlines.
Go ahead! Explore!
Weather Cancellation Policy of Airlines
First of all, let’s understand what constitutes “weather” under airline policies. Situations like thunderstorms, high winds, hail, fog, snowstorms, freezing rain, and ice are considered to be alarming for flights.
Thus, airlines provide compensation in case of weather conditions only if they are severe enough to significantly disrupt their flight operations.
Here are policies set by different airlines:
Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines does not offer reimbursement for such an uncontrollable issue. But you may be rebooked on another flight if there is a significant impact. However, if the airline is not able to do the same or if you wish to cancel the new flight, you may post a request to receive an eCredit corresponding to the ticket value, seat upgrade, or preferred seat. You may also choose to manage your itinerary in the ‘My Trips’ section on their website.
United Airlines
According to the weather cancellation policy set by United Airlines, you may be eligible for a travel credit or refund if your flight is cancelled due to such situations. So, it depends on the significant impact of the weather conditions and other factors at that moment.
You are advised to contact the airline’s customer service team. If the airline will process your refund, you may post a request for the same through a dedicated page containing the refund form, provided on their official website.
JetBlue Airways
The airline posts information about weather and fee waivers on their website in case of severe atmospheric conditions. A fee waiver is a change or cancel fee exemption issued by the airline during circumstances that cause travel disruption such as weather.
So, using the fee waiver, you are eligible to change or cancel your flight without even paying a fee or increase in the fare. But, you may need to pay the difference in fare in some situations. This can be done easily via the ‘Manage Trips’ section available on their official website.
However, please bear in mind that the decision to post about a fee waiver lies with the airline, as it may not be there in case of every weather situation. Also, a fee waiver is applicable only for a particular eligibility period.
Apart from this, some types of taxes may not be refunded in case of certain international destinations.
JetBlue tries to cancel flights due to inclement weather more than four hours before the scheduled departure time. Nevertheless, it might not always be feasible.
You may use the JetBlue mobile app and keep a check on the ‘Where’s my plane?’ feature. This helps you track the route or location of your incoming plane.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines does not provide any compensation or benefits in case of flight delays occurring because of inclement weather situations, as these are not under their control. The airline’s team issues advice in case of weather conditions before the departure of flights. The airline also recommends travelers to check their flight status and weather conditions belonging to their route. You may find important information updated on the homepage of their official website.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines re-books you on another flight scheduled for your destination if your flight is cancelled due to inclement weather. However, if you don’t wish to fly on the new flight, you have the option to post a refund request via the airline’s official website.
The airline issues method-of-payment refund, which means you receive the refund to your original source of payment.
Spirit Airlines
In case of a flight cancelled by Spirit Airlines due to inclement weather, you need to arrange your own accommodation, if required. The airline’s team supports you in finding accommodation, but you will have to pay for the same.
Besides, if you have an onward journey which is not required, you have the option to cancel your flight and get a Reservation Credit. This Credit is a 6-digit alphanumeric confirmation code that you receive in an email from their team. You can use the same to book flights in future or purchase seats, bags, vacation packages etc.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines does not offer compensation in case of such unforeseen situations. You can only be re-accommodated on the next flight. But if your flight is canceled or delayed for more than 3 hours, you are eligible to request a full refund of any unused part of your purchased ticket.
The airline has also defined a Severe Weather Plan which becomes applicable in case of severe weather conditions. According to this plan, you can get a flight re-booked for a later date when the weather conditions return to normal. You need not pay any extra fee for the same. You can submit the online refund form available on the website of Frontier Airlines.
What Are Your Rights as a Passenger?
As a passenger, you have the following rights:
Information
The airline you booked a flight with needs to inform you about the cancellation caused because of severe weather conditions.
Support
You can contact the customer support department of your airline and ask for assistance during periods of disruption like food, water, accommodation etc.
Rebooking
Airlines are responsible to rebook you on a new flight at no additional charge, if possible.
Refund
Make sure to collect complete information, as you may be eligible for a full refund if the airline is unable to rebook you on another flight.
Concluding Words
Although airline weather compensation rules may seem intricate and diverse, it is important for you to understand your entitlements as a traveler in case of such unexpected disruptions. If your flight is cancelled or delayed because of bad weather, it’s beneficial to contact the airline directly and confirm the suitable reimbursement opportunities.
You must bear in mind that despite not offering any compensation, your airline may still provide assistance to find accommodation and arrange food etc., in case of such cancellations.
So, as a traveler, it is crucial to remain knowledgeable and ready for any travel interruptions resulting from atmospheric conditions. By understanding your rights and the airline’s protocols, you can more effectively deal with the intricacies of airline weather reimbursement and receive the appropriate compensations.
Related FAQs!
Take a look at answers provided to some of the most common queries asked about compensation in case of flights cancelled due to weather conditions.
It depends on the weather cancellation policy defined by your airline. Thus, if your flight gets cancelled due to inclement weather, you need to get in touch with the airline’s team for complete information.
If you are unable to catch your flight and miss it because of weather issues, you will most probably be rebooked on a new flight scheduled for your destination. However, you are recommended to get detailed information from the customer service team of your airline.
Weather that leads to cancellation of flights is constituted by hail, strong winds, thunderstorms, wind shear, snowstorms, icing, and fog.
If the weather conditions are not severe enough to obstruct your airline from safely operating the flight, you will not be eligible for compensation.
Although airlines are not entitled to compensate passengers as per federal laws, many airlines have defined policies to enable re-bookings on new flights. You are suggested to contact your airline for the same.
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