You know when you scroll past the Terms and Conditions, you are missing some juicy details. But, no one wants to read that, so we read it for you. We got your back Wanderluster.
If you don't feel like claiming the delays of cancellations are worth the trouble, Air Advisor will do it for you.
Just an FYI, if you booked with your credit card, check with them. Most travel credit cards do offer consumer compensation against delays, cancellations and luggage. We will post on travel credit cards soon!
Delta
Delta has quickly become America's first choice of travel with their ease of access to many flight locations and their superior customer service.
Lost luggage: They will compensate you for reasonable expenses that result due to a delay in delivery for domestic flights, and as required by applicable international agreements for international flights. If we cannot locate your bag within 21 days it will be considered lost, and we will reimburse you for any fee charged to transport your bag. Up to $3800 per ticketed passenger and if you feel the items you had may be worth more, you may claim up to $5000.
Late luggage: On time bag guarantee states in their terms and conditions, if your bag is more than 25 minutes late, you can fill out a form and receive 2500 Skymiles. You may be eligible for a bag fee rebate if your first or second paid checked bag(s) have been delayed for more than 12 hours after being reported to a baggage service agent/office. Reasonable expenses are generally determined as $50 USD per day for the first 5 days that the bag is delayed. And you can claim additional Skymiles for the late baggage. Complete the form at delta.com/bagsontime no later than three days after your flight's arrival.
Damaged luggage: Always take a picture of your bag before you check it in. Trust us, it will come in handy. If you feel your baggage was damaged during a flight, bring it to the Delta Air Lines Baggage Office immediately after arrival. The airline is responsible for the replacement of the damaged bag up to $3800 including the items inside it, per ticketed passenger, according to their terms and conditions.
Involuntary denied Boarding (Oversold Flights): If Delta arranges Qualifying Alternative Transportation, then Delta will pay denied boarding compensation in an amount equal to 200% of the fare (including any surcharges and air transportation taxes) to the passenger’s next Stopover, or if none, to his/her final destination, but no more than $775.00. If Delta cannot arrange Qualifying Alternative Transportation, then Delta will pay denied boarding compensation in an amount equal to 400% of the fare (including any surcharges and air transportation taxes) to the passenger’s next Stopover, or if none, to his/her final destination, but no more than $1550.00.
Cancelled flights and Delayed Flights: Provide complimentary hotel accommodations at Delta-contracted facilities, based on availability, as well as complimentary ground transportation to and from the hotel, if you are inconvenienced overnight while away from your home or destination. If a Delta-contracted hotel accommodation is unavailable and you book your own accommodations while inconvenienced overnight away from your home or destination, Delta will reimburse reasonable costs for your hotel room and ground transportation to and from the hotel. Provide a meal or meal vouchers, if a cancellation or delay results in waiting 3 or more hours beyond the scheduled departure time. According to the Department of Transportation if your flight is cancelled for any reason and you choose not to fly, you are entitled to a full refund.
Overbooked tickets/ Involuntary denied boarding: The Department of transportation states that overbooked flights qualify for compensation. Depending on the length of delay you may be entitled to up to two times the price of your ticket. Applies to Domestic flights.
Airfrance
With Airfrance being a Delta Partner, you can expect the same level of excellent customer service. Airfrance serves many locations and if you are flying from the U.S to Europe with a stopover, you will generally end up on an Airfrance flight. They mostly have the the same bill of rights as Delta, with some slight variances.
Ground delays: The delay compensation will depend on hours until next flight. If your flight is delayed 3 hours or more and Less than 1,500km, you are entitled to € 250. 3 hours or more, Between 1,500km and 3,500km, you are entitled to € 400. 3-4 hour delay, more than 3,500km, between an EU and non-EU airport, € 300. 4 hours or more, more than 3,500km, between an EU and non-EU airport, you are entitled to € 600.
Lost luggage/Damaged luggage: If your baggage has not been found within 21 days of your request, the items you have inventoried will serve as the basis of your compensation.* This procedure is automatically triggered. Your compensation amount can be up to €1,607 (maximum amount set by the Montraeal Convention) upon presentation of receipts (invoices, proof of purchase). When you lose the baggage in the domestic class, you can claim at least up to $3500, according to the (Department of transportation) DOT.
Late luggage: If the baggage is late more than 3 hours, you may claim lost baggage, as stated above.
Cancelled flights: According to the Department of Transportation if your flight is cancelled for any reason and you choose not to fly, you are entitled to a full refund. If you have a valid booking for a flight that was cancelled by the airline for a reason that was under their control, and they gave you less than 14 days notice, you’re eligible. The compensation amount will depend on the distance. More than 3,500 km, € 600. 1,500 km–3,500 km, € 400. Less than 1,500 km, the compensation is € 250.
Overbooked tickets/ Involuntary denied boarding: The Department of transportation states that overbooked flights qualify for compensation. Depending on the length of delay you may be entitled to up to two times the price of your ticket. Applies to Domestic flights. If you have been denied boarding against your will, compensation will be offered at the airport. You can choose between non-refundable transportation credit voucher and refundable credit voucher (cash). The non-refundable transportation credit voucher amounts as follows: - A – Flights up to 1,500 km: *€350 - B – Flights within the EU of more than 1,500 km, and all other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km: *€500 - C – Flights not falling under A or B: *€800 Compensation amounts (cash): - A – Flights up to 1,500 km: *€250 - B – Flights within the EU of more than 1,500 km, and all other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km: *€400 - C – Flights not falling under A or B: *€600
KLM
Also, a Delta Partner, KLM provides mostly North European coverage for the group. Great customer service, very few issues. As you can tell, we are big Delta fans.
Ground delays: Ground delays apply to delays before boarding the aircraft. The non-refundable transportation credit voucher amounts are as follows: A-Flights of 1500 km or less: EUR 350*. B-Flights within the EU of more than 1500 km, and all other flights between 1500 and 3500 km: EUR 500*. C- Flights not falling under A or B: EUR 800. And the refundable credit voucher (cash) amounts are as follows: A-Flights of 1500 km or less:EUR 250*. B-Flights within the EU of more than 1500 km, and all other flights between 1500 and 3500 km: EUR 400*. C-Flights not falling under A or B: EUR 600.
Lost/ damaged luggage: The air carrier is liable for destruction, loss or damage to baggage up to 1,288 SDRs (approximately EUR 1,610). In the case of checked baggage, it is liable even if not at fault, unless the baggage was defective. In the case of unchecked baggage, the carrier is liable only if at fault.
Late luggage: If the baggage is late more than 3 hours, you may claim lost baggage, as stated above.
Cancelled flights: According to the Department of Transportation if your flight is cancelled for any reason and you choose not to fly, you are entitled to a full refund. The non-refundable transportation credit voucher amounts are as follows: A-Flights of 1500 km or lessEUR 350*B-Flights within the EU of more than 1500 km, and all other flights between 1500 and 3500 km: EUR 500 *.C-Flights not falling under A or B: EUR 800*. The refundable credit voucher (cash) amounts are as follows: A-Flights of 1500 km or less: EUR 250*. B-Flights within the EU of more than 1500 km, and all other flights between 1500 and 3500 km: EUR 400*C-Flights not falling under A or B: EUR 600*.
Overbooked tickets/ Involuntary denied boarding: The Department of transportation states that overbooked flights qualify for compensation. Depending on the length of delay you may be entitled to up to two times the price of your ticket. Applies to Domestic flights. If you have been denied boarding against your will, compensation will be offered at the airport. You can choose between non-refundable transportation credit voucher and refundable credit voucher (cash.) The non-refundable transportation credit voucher amounts are as follows: A-Flights of 1500 km or less: EUR 350*. B-Flights within the EU of more than 1500 km, and all other flights between 1500 and 3500 km: EUR 500*. C-Flights not falling under A or B: EUR 800*. And the refundable credit voucher (cash) amounts are as follows: A-Flights of 1500 km or less: EUR 250*. B-Flights within the EU of more than 1500 km, and all other flights between 1500 and 3500 km: EUR 400*. C-Flights not falling under A or B: EUR 600.
American Airlines
American Airlines has had its ups and downs over the years. With the pressure of its competitors being aggressive with customer satisfaction, they have drastically improved. Not our favorite, yet, still has great consumer protections in its bill of carriage.
Ground delays: If the disruption is our fault or you're diverted to another city, and we don't board before 11:59 p.m. local time on your scheduled arrival day, we'll arrange an overnight stay or cover the cost of an approved hotel, if available. For shorter delays, If you are traveling within the US, up to 1 hour arrival delay – not compensated, 1 - 2 hour arrival delay – 200% of one-way fare (max. $775), 2+ hour arrival delay – 400% of one-way fare (max. $1,550). For International travel up to 1 hour arrival delay – not compensated, 1 - 4 hour arrival delay – 200% of one-way fare (max. $775), 4+ hour arrival delay – 400% of one-way fare (max. $1,550).
Lost luggage/ Damaged: If your checked bag is lost, damaged or delayed, they will pay the provable value of the losses up to $3,800 (or up to $5,000 if you declare excess value). Please remember to always take a picture of your luggage before arriving at the airport. Please make any claims before leaving the airport.
Late luggage: They do not have a compensated on-time guarantee. If your luggage is delayed more than 4 hours, you can make a claim, as stated above for the late/ lost and damage luggage claims. Please make any claims before leaving the airport.
Cancelled flights: According to the Department of Transportation if your flight is cancelled for any reason and you choose not to fly, you are entitled to a full refund.
Overbooked tickets/ Involuntary denied boarding: The Department of transportation states that overbooked flights qualify for compensation. Depending on the length of delay you may be entitled to up to two times the price of your ticket. Applies to Domestic flights.
JetBlue
Jetblue comes in at second place, after Delta Partners. The customer service is very good and the aircrafts are generally restored or new.
Ground delays: These are delays that occur before boarding the flight. If your flight is delayed 3– 3:59 hours you can receive a $50 credit. Delayed 4 – 4:59 hours, a $100 credit. 5 – 5:59 hours, a $150 credit. 6 or more hours, you will receive $200 credit.
On Board delays: This is a delay that happens after the flight is boarded, either at the gate or during taxi. For delays 3 – 4:59 hours, you will receive a $100 credit. 5 – 5:59 hours, a $175 credit. 6 or more hours, a $250 credit.
Lost luggage/Damaged luggage: For travel entirely within the USA, JetBlue’s liability for loss, damage or delay in delivery of baggage is limited to $3,800 per ticketed passenger unless a higher value is declared in advance and additional charges are paid. Again, please take pictures of your luggage before arriving at airport.
Late luggage: JetBlue does not have a compensated on-time guarantee. If your luggage is delayed more than 4 hours, you can make a claim, as stated above for the late/ lost and damage luggage claims. Please make any claims before leaving the airport.
Cancelled flights: If your flight qualifies for compensation, you will receive an email from JetBlue within seven days of your flight's scheduled departure. Within 4 hours of flight
$50 credit. After scheduled departure $100 credit. According to the Department of Transportation if your flight is cancelled for any reason and you choose not to fly, you are entitled to a full refund.
Overbooked tickets/ Involuntary denied boarding: The Department of transportation states that overbooked flights qualify for compensation. Depending on the length of delay you may be entitled to up to two times the price of your ticket. Applies to Domestic flights. (As defined in JetBlue's Contract of Carriage) Customers who are involuntarily denied boarding shall receive up to $1,550.
United Airlines
Like American Airlines, United has had its share of scandals. Over time they have stepped-up their game. Still not a favorite, but acceptable and their customer service is ok. Their airplanes seem to be a bit dated and their ticket agents a little too nonchalant for our taste. But, If you are a fan, here are your rights as a passenger, and my gosh, do they make it difficult to find that information...
Ground delays: United Airlines is unable to prevent a flight delay caused by a condition outside its control. However, United Airlines accept full responsibility for any inconvenience caused to passengers as a result of a flight delay, and they make every attempt to compensate. Flights that are delayed by 3 hours or more may be eligible for compensation from United Airlines of up to $700 per passenger, according to the airline's policy.
Late luggage: On-time luggage guarantee? Uh, no.
Lost /Damaged luggage: For domestic travel between points within the United States (except for domestic portions of international journeys), United's liability for loss of, damage to, or delay in delivery of a passenger's checked baggage is limited to $3,800 per ticketed passenger. In accordance with 14 CFR Part 382, the above limit of liability does not apply for loss, damage or delay of wheelchairs or other assistive devices. For international travel to which the Warsaw Convention applies, liability for loss, delay, or damage to baggage is limited to $20 per kilogram (approximately $9.07 per pound) up to $640, and $400 per passenger for unchecked baggage.Please make any claims before leaving the airport.
Cancelled flights: According to the Department of Transportation if your flight is cancelled for any reason and you choose not to fly, you are entitled to a full refund. f you departed from the U.S., you will still get rebooked on a new flight headed to your destination, but you likely won’t get free food or drinks or a hotel for the night. You’re also not guaranteed compensation, but if United are feeling generous, they may give you flight vouchers. We recommend pushing them for any form of compensation you can get. They probably won’t offer you anything unless you directly ask them.
Overbooked tickets/ Involuntary denied boarding: The Department of transportation states that overbooked flights qualify for compensation. Depending on the length of delay you may be entitled to up to two times the price of your ticket. Applies to Domestic flights.
Alaska Airlines
Ground delays:
Lost/ Damaged luggage: If your checked bag is lost, damaged or delayed, they will pay the provable value of the losses up to $3,800 (or up to $5,000 if you declare excess value). Please remember to always take a picture of your luggage before arriving at the airport. Please make any claims before leaving the airport.
Late luggage:
Cancelled flights: According to the Department of Transportation if your flight is cancelled for any reason and you choose not to fly, you are entitled to a full refund.
Delayed Flights:
Late luggage: Terms and conditions state that if your bag is later than 20 min from flight arrival, you can receive $25 credit for future flights or 2,500 miles.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest has a very interesting business model. If you go off the commercials and advertisements, it looks like a fun and budget-friendly airline. It's not. Southwest is budget-friendly, but you get what you pay for. Customer service is sub-par. Their airplanes are clean, but the seats are small, and even first class doesn't compare to Delta Comfort.
Ground delays: Every traveler on a delayed flight can receive a LUV voucher, even those whose flights were originally booked with Rapid Rewards or Companion Pass.
Late luggage: Southwest does not offer an on-time guarantee.
Lost /Damaged luggage: If your checked bag is lost, damaged or delayed, they will pay the provable value of the losses up to $3,800 (or up to $5,000 if you declare excess value). Please remember to always take a picture of your luggage before arriving at the airport. Please make any claims before leaving the airport.
Cancelled flights: According to the Department of Transportation if your flight is cancelled for any reason and you choose not to fly, you are entitled to a full refund. Southwest will additionally provide you a LUV travel voucher. The amount is at their discretion, please don't forget to ask for it.
Overbooked tickets/ Involuntary denied boarding: The Department of transportation states that overbooked flights qualify for compensation. Depending on the length of delay you may be entitled to up to two times the price of your ticket. Applies to Domestic flights.
Spirit Airlines
This budget airline is a little rough around the edges. No assigned seating, no food or snacks served, and you must pay for all luggage and carry ons. This should be a last case scenario or for extremely short flights. Buyer beware. Customer rights: None! Just kidding, they have some, but only because they HAVE to.
Ground delays: A change may be made to an itinerary without a charge and/or fare difference when the itinerary was affected by a cancelled flight, an eligible schedule change or a delayed flight (greater than two hours from the original departure time). Basically, they will rebook you or cancel your ticket at no additional cost. That's it. Thumbs down.
Late luggage: Please, don't even ask. There is no guarantee. Just be happy you received your luggage, ok?
Lost /Damaged luggage: If your checked bag is lost, damaged or delayed, they will pay the provable value of the losses up to $3,800 (or up to $5,000 if you declare excess value). Please remember to always take a picture of your luggage before arriving at the airport. Please make any claims before leaving the airport. A verifiable estimate of repair/cleaning from a local luggage repair shop should be submitted with the claim. Should the repair shop indicate, in writing, that the luggage cannot be repaired, please submit documented proof of purchase for the non-repairable item valued at $50 USD or more. (Subject to depreciation.)
For soiled clothing in-flight: A verifiable estimate of cleaning from a local cleaning company should be submitted with the claim. Should the repair shop indicate, in writing, that the article of clothing cannot be cleaned/repaired, please submit documented proof of purchase for the non-repairable item valued at $50 USD or more. (Subject to depreciation)
Cancelled flights: According to the Department of Transportation if your flight is cancelled for any reason and you choose not to fly, you are entitled to a full refund. Spirit assumes no responsibility for personal or business expenses incurred by a guest as a result of a flight delay, cancellation, or schedule change. Spirit may provide limited amenities and services, which may be required by certain guests in order to maintain their safety, health and welfare. Amenities provided by Spirit are provided as a courtesy to the guest and are not to be considered an obligation of Spirit. In the process of rebooking on another Spirit flight, Spirit will provide overnight accommodation(s) or will reimburse reasonable costs of overnight accommodation(s) for non-local guests in the event of a controllable cancellation or an extended controllable delay departing after the scheduled departure day. For delays of three hours or more or a cancellation due to causes within our control, Spirit will provide a meal voucher redeemable at any establishment that sells food and accepts the vouchers. .
Overbooked tickets/ Involuntary denied boarding: The Department of transportation states that overbooked flights qualify for compensation. Depending on the length of delay you may be entitled to up to two times the price of your ticket. Applies to Domestic flights. If it wasn't for the DOT, they would offer none.
**We are not attorneys or give legal advice. Please do your own due diligence if you have any further questions, or contact your airline of travel directly.
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