Your Flight Delay Backup Plan: How to Secure a Refund decides the matter on a case-by-case basis if a consumer files a complaint.
The holiday season is supposed to be a time of cheer and goodwill, but keeping that spirit alive when you’re stuck at an airport is challenging. If you’re traveling to see family this year, we hope your flight is on time and uneventful. But with large-scale airline delays repeatedly making the news since the pandemic began, it’s wise to have a backup plan. Before you pack your bags, know how to get a refund if the worst happens and you end up stuck at home. Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) requires airlines to provide consumers with a cash refund when a flight is canceled or experiences a preventable delay or schedule change. Any refund should include baggage or service fees. The airline may offer a voucher or new tickets instead of a refund, but you can refuse these offers. Receiving a refund for a canceled flight is pretty straightforward. Speaking with a representative in person or over the phone will usually solve the problem. However, delays can be trickier. Unfortunately, USDOT does not explicitly define a significant reschedule or delay and
Regulations also only require airlines to issue refunds for delays if the matter was “preventable” by the airline. So, you should receive a
refund if workers fall behind or there’s a maintenance issue. But if a tropical storm rolls through town or a security threat
grounds flights, a refund is at the airline’s discretion.
Most airlines will provide a meal voucher for passengers waiting three hours or more due to a delay. For a particularly long or overnight delay, most also pay for a passenger’s unforeseen hotel stay. However, check your airline’s policy before you book. While most airlines commit to these benefits as a matter of customer service, no law legally compels them. If you believe an airline legally owes you a refund, but it refuses, you can file a complaint with Transportation.gov. However, many travelers prefer to utilize travel insurance for situations that fall into
a gray area. Many credit cards offer this service to cardholders for free, and frequent fliers should keep one ready in their wallets.
As the new year approaches, it’s common to set resolutions for self-improvement. However, many people struggle to maintain these commitments throughout the year. Did you know the second Friday in January is often referred to as
in shape,” set a SMART goal like, “I will walk one mile three times a week for six months.”
Quitters Day — a day when most people drop the goals they set for 2024? To increase your chances of success, consider adopting creative goal-setting strategies that will keep you motivated and accountable! Visualize Your Goals Create a vision board (this can be digital) with images and words that represent your goal. Seeing your aspirations in a tangible form can be a powerful motivator. Place it where you will see it daily for a constant reminder of what you’re working toward. Set SMART Goals SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Define your goals with these criteria, making them clear and attainable. For example, instead of saying, “I want to get
One-Word Theme Choose a single word that encapsulates your goal for the coming year. Whether it’s “balance,” “adventure,” or “growth,” having a theme can simplify your decision-
making and provide a clear direction.
Monthly Challenges Break your larger goals into smaller monthly challenges. For example, if your resolution is to read 24 books in 2024, set a monthly target of two books. Achieving these smaller milestones can boost your motivation. Goal Journaling Keep a journal dedicated to your goals. Write about your progress, setbacks, and how you feel about your journey. Reflecting on your goals can help you stay on track and make necessary adjustments. Setting goals for the new year doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By incorporating these creative strategies, you can make the process enjoyable and increase your chances of success in 2024!
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