US airlines are now required to give speedier refunds for canceled flights. Here’s how it works
The IndependentSign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. On Monday, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that airlines are officially required to provide automatic refunds within a few days for canceled flights and “significant” delays. New regulation requires US airlines to promptly issue refunds for signficantly delayed or canceled flights Some airlines also offered customers a travel credit or voucher for canceled flights, instead of getting their money back. However, airlines and ticket agents must now issue refunds within “seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.” These refunds must also be made in full and in cash, or whatever original payment method used to make the flight ticket purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. A spokesperson for the group said airlines “offer a range of options – including fully refundable fares – to increase accessibility to air travel and to help customers make ticket selections that best fit their needs.” The group said the 11 largest US airlines issued $43 billion in customer refunds from 2020 through 2023.