BBB offers tips for handling travel delays, canceled flights

The Cleveland office of the Better Business Bureau encourages travelers seeking compensation and/or refunds for continuing airline cancellations and delays resulting from holiday travel and severe weather to research their options. Rules governing domestic flights are overseen by the U.S. Department of Transportation. In general, there are no U.S. federal laws requiring airlines to provide passengers with compensation for a delayed flight, but consumers can check USDOT's online dashboard to see what each major airline promises consumers in its carrier contracts. When flights are canceled by the airline, consumers are always entitled to a full refund. This includes a refund of any bag fees or extras, such as additional legroom for a seat. If the airline offers a voucher in lieu of a refund, consumers should ask about expiration and blackout dates. Airlines may also have additional restrictions on the use of vouchers. Consumers are not obligated to accept vouchers and may insist on a full refund instead. If the trip was canceled by the consumer, however, they may not be entitled to a full refund. For the latest information, BBB recommends consumers visit BBB.org. The BBB encourages customers to keep the following tips in mind when handling travel disruptions: - Check delays: Travelers can check their latest flight information on their carrier's website or via the airline's telephone reservation system. Many times, delays don't occur until the day of the flight and the airline must update its flight information within 30 minutes of receiving a notice of a status change. The earlier a consumer responds to a cancellation or flight change, the higher chance they may be accommodated on a later flight. - Check respective carrier and credit card terms: While federal regulations don't require airlines to reimburse expenses such as rooms or food in the event a flight is canceled or severely delayed, the carrier and credit card companies may have different policies. Purchase tickets with a credit card that offers trip protection or travelers' insurance and check individual airline policies on USDOT's website. - Keep documentation: Keep receipts and records for expenses incurred as a result of a significantly delayed or canceled flight. These may be needed later to recover expenses. - Check the carrier's website: Most airlines allow consumers to initiate refunds directly on the carrier's website. Using a website may help a consumer obtain a refund or rebook a trip much faster than waiting for a consumer service agent in person or on the phone. - Rules are different for foreign flights: Flights that were canceled while in another country will be affected by the laws of that nation. Check with the local country's department of transportation while traveling internationally.