Flight Cancellations, Delays and Flight Preparation Information

As the summer vacation season approaches, more and more people travel by plane. However, while travel demand is rapidly increasing, the number of flight delays or cancellations in the airline industry is increasing due to the COVID-19 outbreak, such as a shortage of manpower. Find out what to do if this happens suddenly.

What to prepare before departure – If possible, we recommend that you book directly through the airline’s website. In case of cancellation or delay, it is easier to change the itinerary through the airline website rather than the internet reservation site.

In addition, it is recommended to check in advance 24 hours before boarding to reduce the time for check-in and baggage check-in. It also downloads the airline’s application in case flights are delayed or changed.

What to do if delayed – Federal law requires airlines to issue full refunds to passengers if their flight is delayed and the passenger abandons travel. If you want to continue your journey even if your flight is delayed, you will have to wait in line at the gate and then take the next flight, but it is also a good idea to call the airline and complain.

Some airlines offer compensation in case of delays due to airline problems. In the case of American Airlines, if a flight is delayed and cannot be boarded before midnight on the expected arrival date, it may provide accommodation vouchers.

JetBlue offers compensation ranging from $50 to $200 depending on the delay. If you made a reservation through the airline’s website, the reward can be emailed to you within 7 days of the scheduled departure date. If you made a reservation through a reservation site such as Expedia or Orbits, you must call the customer center directly and explain the situation.

What if the flight is canceled – If a flight is canceled by the airline, the next flight is available and if you abandon your trip, you will be entitled to a full refund under federal law. If you make a transfer, you can get a refund for the flight you didn’t board. Many airlines offer travel credits or gift certificates valid for one year in lieu of a full refund.

“It’s very important to know the law and uphold your rights,” said Scott Keyes, a low-cost airline booking site at Scott.

How to get travel credit – If your flight is canceled by the airline, you can only get your travel credit back if you book directly on the airline’s website. Airlines send emails to redeem travel credits, but you can also find them on the airline’s website. If you purchase a non-refundable economy class ticket, you can call the airline directly and make a reservation again. If you made a reservation through an online travel site, you must connect to the travel site and make a reservation again.