Recently, many travelers found themselves stuck at airports nationwide, particularly with United Airlines, due to staff shortages among air traffic controllers and summer storms in the Northeast. Complicating matters for passengers, many of these long waits and cancellations did not automatically qualify them for reimbursement from the airlines since weather issues and air traffic control delays are often considered beyond the airlines’ control, according to the Department of Transportation.

This means, while airlines can choose to offer compensation in these situations, it is ultimately at their discretion.

If Your Flight is Delayed, What Are Your Rights?

The Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates that airlines provide refunds for completely canceled flights. However, the rules concerning delays are less clear.

There isn’t a specific requirement for airlines to issue refunds or reimbursements for delayed flights, but travelers can use the DOT’s delay and cancellation dashboard to better grasp their rights.

“The DOT has not clearly defined a ‘significant delay,'” the website explains. “Your eligibility for a refund depends on various factors such as how long the delay is, the distance of the flight, and your individual situation.”

In contrast, European regulations are more favorable to travelers, requiring airlines to pay at least 250 euros for delays of three hours and up to 600 euros for longer delays on international flights. In the U.S., protections during domestic travel are limited, leaving compensation largely up to the individual airlines to decide.

“There aren’t any specific compensation policies,” stated Shaiy Howard, the CEO of Travel by Shaiy, a travel agency in South Florida. “Keep in mind that each airline has different policies. When purchasing a ticket, the terms and conditions usually specify that there may be delays, and typically state that compensation for delays like weather is not guaranteed.”

Here’s a summary of what the major airlines offer in case of a significant delay:

American Airlines Flight Delay Compensation Policy

Passengers may claim refunds for any unused parts of their tickets if they choose not to travel due to a delay. Additionally, they may receive compensation or reimbursements for hotel stays and ground transportation linked to delays, depending on the cause, as outlined in the airline’s customer service plan.

Delta Air Lines Flight Delay Compensation Policy

The DOT states that Delta will rebook passengers on other Delta flights or those of partner airlines and provide meal vouchers for delays over three hours for specific reasons. In certain situations involving overnight delays, they will also cover hotel stays and ground transportation.

Southwest Airlines Flight Delay Compensation Policy

As per DOT regulations, Southwest will rebook passengers on their flights and offer meal vouchers for delays lasting over three hours due to specific causes. Passengers may also receive hotel accommodations and ground transportation for overnight delays related to specific issues.

JetBlue Flight Delay Compensation Policy

JetBlue has a compensation structure that increases with the delay length. The minimum compensation starts at $50 in travel credits after a three-hour delay, increasing by $50 for each additional hour, capping at $200 for six-hour delays or longer.

After boarding, the compensation scheme offers $100 in travel credits for delays between three and five hours, $175 for five to six hours, and a maximum of $250 for delays exceeding six hours.

Passengers are also eligible for compensation if they face delays on the ground after arriving at their destination,

JetBlue provides a compensation policy for flight delays, granting a $50 credit for delays of one to two hours, a $125 credit for delays between two and three hours, and a $200 credit for delays exceeding three hours.

Similarly, JetBlue rebooks passengers on other JetBlue flights or with partner airlines. For delays lasting more than three hours due to certain reasons, the airline also offers meal vouchers and can provide hotel stays and transportation for overnight delays, as per DOT guidelines.

Spirit Airlines Flight Delay Compensation Policy

According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), Spirit Airlines will rebook passengers on alternative Spirit flights. Additionally, passengers facing delays of over three hours due to specific causes will receive meal vouchers and may be offered hotel stays and ground transportation for overnight disruptions.

Frontier Airlines Flight Delay Compensation Policy

The DOT reports that Frontier Airlines will rebook passengers on other Frontier flights and provide meal vouchers for delays of three hours or more under specific conditions.

Alaska Airlines Flight Delay Compensation Policy

As stated by the DOT, Alaska Airlines commits to rebooking passengers on other Alaska flights or partner airlines. For delays beyond three hours caused by particular situations, passengers will receive meal vouchers, while those facing overnight delays may get hotel accommodations and transport. Additionally, for departure delays lasting three hours or more, Alaska Airlines offers credits, travel vouchers, or frequent flyer miles.

Hawaiian Airlines Flight Delay Compensation Policy

The DOT notes that Hawaiian Airlines will rebook affected passengers on other Hawaiian flights, provide meal vouchers for delays exceeding three hours due to certain reasons, and offer hotel accommodation and ground transportation for overnight delays under specified circumstances.

Additional Tips for Travelers

Experts suggest three main strategies: enroll in the airline’s frequent flyer program, choose the earliest flight whenever possible, and consider purchasing travel insurance.

“I always recommend my clients to get travel protection,” Howard from Travel by Shaiy stated. She highlighted that even if an airline does not provide compensation after a delay, travel insurance could reimburse related expenses, such as car rentals or hotel stays incurred because of the delay.

She also recommends downloading the airline’s app before traveling and reaching out to the gate agent for assistance during the delay.

Marc Casto, president of Flight Centre Travel Group, emphasizes the importance of your ticket type when booking.

“When booking, I advise travelers to avoid the cheapest fare. These passengers are often the first to get bumped,” he cautioned.

Casto also suggested resolving flight issues via the airline’s app or messaging, as this is typically quicker than calling customer service or waiting in line at the airport.

Booking through third-party sites like Expedia or Orbitz can complicate matters if problems arise, according to Howard and Casto. Airlines generally require passengers to handle changes and complaints through their chosen booking agent, and these platforms may have differing rules regarding compensation.