Who knows which way the wind is going to blow any more. If you're booked to fly somewhere and not sure what the rules are these days, one of our trusted airline experts – Going.com's Katy Nastro – has come to the rescue, sharing with Smart Senior Daily everything you should know.
So, without further adieu (or cancellation), make note of these ifs, ands, or buts and act accordingly:
Take advantage of airline weather waivers early
The big boys – Delta, United, American, Frontier, Southwest, Spirit, and Alaska – typically waive change fees and are allowing modifications to select itineraries during specific date windows.
"Taking advantage of these waivers ahead of time can mean avoiding a much later/unfavorable rebooking or risk of getting stuck in a location," Nastro told SSD.
Speed is going to be critical
When a storm impacts much of the country (say more than 30 airports), you need to act F-A-S-T so you get something that works in your favor and not at the airline's whim.
Nastro: "There will not be an endless supply of seats to reaccommodate you on, and with airlines already preemptively cancelling 1400+ flights for tomorrow, there is no time like the present to give yourself the best odds at a decent rebooking."
Gary P Guthrie
Dial the international customer service line
Can't rebook on a flight within your airline's app? Don't panic: try not just the domestic customer service line (ensure it's an authentic airline phone number by heading to the airline website directly) dial one of the many international lines.
"Those agents can look in the same backend and rebook you just the same," Nastro added, pointing to Going.com's What to Do If the Airline Changes or Cancels Your Flight..
"If you are on hold and the airline does not offer call back, the newest Apple update will provide a notification that your call is up next - a handy new feature!"
Right to a refund or rebooking, not compensation
Travelers are entitled to a refund or a rebooked flight when it is delayed more than three hours or canceled (domestic, +6 international).
However, weather is considered outside an airline’s control, meaning airlines are not required to provide compensation for added expenses like hotels or meals. Any additional coverage beyond a refund or new flight is up to each airline’s policy.
If travelers opt for a refund, federal rules require airlines to issue it within about seven business days. This could be the first big travel test on airline compliance.
Travel insurance won't help last minute, but credit cards might
"Once a storm has been named, you generally cannot purchase a travel insurance policy after the fact, and may have exceptions that won't entirely cover for every type of bad weather," Nastro noted.
"Best to check your credit card that you booked with to see what travel protections or "trip disruptions" are built in that will reimburse travelers for food, hotel nights, etc.
Again, for more details on your rights and how to make the most of a canceled or changed flight, check out Going.com's guide, What to Do If the Airline Changes or Cancels Your Flight.
Gary P Guthrie
