Flight Delay Compensation: Your Rights with Each Major U.S. Airline

Did you receive the dreaded alert that your flight will be delayed or even worse, cancelled?

Whether your travel plans were derailed by severe winter weather or by Alaska Airlines and United Airlines’ recent grounding orders for their Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, you may be eligible for compensation.

Under federal Department of Transportation regulations, all U.S. airlines are required to honor commitments set out in customer service plans and provide refunds to travelers if flights are canceled or significantly delayed.

But the rules regarding delays are more vague. The DOT does not define a “substantial delay,” but will determine refunds on a “case-by-case” basis depending on a variety of factors, including the length of the delay and flight time.

Compensation is required in the case of delays caused by the airline, such as due to crew schedule or mechanical issues. “Uncontrollable delays” due to weather conditions, air traffic control obligations, etc. are generally not covered.

However, you have rights if you choose to cancel your trip after the airline makes significant schedule changes or delays. Passengers are also entitled to a refund of the fare difference if their class of service is downgraded.

DOT has a customer service dashboard to better understand how airlines are doing for their passengers. Read below for options. (Read here to learn what you need to know if you are affected by MAX9 earthing.)

Alaska Airlines flight delay and cancellation policy

• You can rebook on the same airline at no additional charge.
• Rebook on partner or partner airlines at no additional cost.
• Cash/vouchers for meals or meals if you wait more than 3 hours for a new flight due to cancellation.
• If you are affected by an overnight cancellation, we will provide free hotel accommodations and free ground transportation.
• Credits/travel vouchers and frequent flyer miles for cancellations that cause you to wait more than 3 hours after your scheduled departure time.

Allegiant Airlines Flight Delay and Cancellation Policy

• You can rebook on the same airline at no additional charge.
• Cash/vouchers for meals or meals if you wait more than 3 hours for a new flight due to cancellation.
• If you are affected by an overnight cancellation, we will provide free hotel accommodations and free ground transportation.

American Airlines flight delay and cancellation policy

• You can rebook on the same airline at no additional charge.
• Rebook on partner or partner airlines at no additional cost.
• Cash/vouchers for meals or meals if you wait more than 3 hours for a new flight due to cancellation or delay.
• If you are affected by an overnight cancellation, we will provide free hotel accommodations and free ground transportation.

Delta Airlines Flight Delay and Cancellation Policy

• You can rebook on the same airline at no additional charge.
• Rebook on partner or partner airlines at no additional cost.
• Cash/vouchers for meals or meals if you wait more than 3 hours for a new flight due to cancellation or delay.
• If you are affected by an overnight cancellation or delay, we will provide complimentary hotel accommodations and complimentary ground transportation.

Frontier Airlines flight delay and cancellation policy

• You can rebook on the same airline at no additional charge.
• Cash/vouchers for meals or meals if you wait more than 3 hours for a new flight due to cancellation or delay.

Hawaiian Airlines flight delay and cancellation policy

• You can rebook on the same airline at no additional charge.
• Rebook on partner or partner airlines at no additional cost.
• Cash/vouchers for meals or meals if you wait more than 3 hours for a new flight due to cancellation or delay.
• If you are affected by an overnight cancellation or delay, we will provide complimentary hotel accommodations and complimentary ground transportation.

JetBlue Airways Flight Delay and Cancellation Policy

• You can rebook on the same airline at no additional charge.
• Rebook on partner or partner airlines at no additional cost.
• Cash/vouchers for meals or meals if you wait more than 3 hours for a new flight due to cancellation or delay.
• If you are affected by an overnight cancellation or delay, we will provide complimentary hotel accommodations and complimentary ground transportation.
• Credit/travel voucher if you wait more than 3 hours after the scheduled departure time due to cancellation or delay.

Southwest Airlines Flight Delay and Cancellation Policy

• You can rebook on the same airline at no additional charge.
• Cash/vouchers for meals or meals if you wait more than 3 hours for a new flight due to cancellation or delay.
• If you are affected by an overnight cancellation or delay, we will provide complimentary hotel accommodations and complimentary ground transportation.

Spirit Airlines flight delay and cancellation policy

• You can rebook on the same airline at no additional charge.
• Cash/vouchers for meals or meals if you wait more than 3 hours for a new flight due to cancellation or delay.
• If you are affected by an overnight cancellation or delay, we will provide complimentary hotel accommodations and complimentary ground transportation.

United Airlines flight delay and cancellation policy

• You can rebook on the same airline at no additional charge.
• Rebook on partner or partner airlines at no additional cost.
• Cash/vouchers for meals or meals if you wait more than 3 hours for a new flight due to cancellation or delay.
• If you are affected by an overnight cancellation or delay, we will provide complimentary hotel accommodations and complimentary ground transportation.