As airlines recover from Friday’s nationwide ground stop, travelers who decline a replacement flight may be owed a refund. The U.S. Department of Transportation says passengers are entitled to refunds when an airline cancels or significantly changes a flight and they decline the changed itinerary and any alternative transportation, credit or compensation offered.
When a schedule change qualifies
The department’s refund guidance counts a domestic flight leaving at least three hours early or arriving at least three hours late as a significant change. For international flights, the threshold is six hours. Changes of airport and additional connections can also qualify.
Passengers who booked through a ticket agent should check who charged them for the ticket. The department says the merchant of record is responsible for the airfare refund when one is due. The Associated Press reported that airlines were still working through cancellations on Saturday.