Slowly but surely, airlines are implementing new rules, improving the overall flight experience. American Airlines got on the good side of passengers after they implemented a technology to end gate lice. The days of passengers trying to board a flight before their gate is called might finally be coming to an end. The newest technology is doing “really well” during its test run.
Another pain travelers have dealt with is refunds for canceled flights. Finally, the process just got a lot easier. A new rule is optimizing refunds with an automatic payment.
Let’s take a closer look at how to receive a quick and easy automatic payment following a canceled flight. We’ll take a look at how travelers are reacting to the major change just ahead of the holiday season.
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The Days Of Filing Paper Work Are Done: New Regulations Give Automatic Refunds For Significant Delays
A flight cancelation just got a little bit easier to deal with. Gone are the days of filing paperwork – passengers can not get their money back in a timely manner following a flight cancelation. The incentive is to improve disruptions among airlines.
The new ruling went into effect a week ago. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg revealed the long-term goal of this new ruling.
“When an airline knows that all — instead of just a few of the passengers on a canceled flight — are likely to actually get their money back, it gives them a different set of reasons to put in the investment, and the realistic scheduling that makes those cancelations less likely to happen to begin with,” he said.
Of course, the circumstances must be met in order for the automatic refund to be given out.
Here’s what a refund entails:
- Flight cancelation
- Domestic flight delayed more than three hours
- International flight delayed more than six hours
- Departure or arrival changes
- Cabin downgraded
- Airlines fail to provide Wi-Fi or seat selection despite paying for additional service
- Connections increase
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On the flip side, refunds won’t be given out for personal reasons, including being late for your flight or due to a sickness. In addition, weather or natural disasters, along with air traffic and safety or security issues aren’t included either when it comes to refunds.
With the holiday season looming, these changes are welcomed by travelers.
Travelers On Reddit Reacted Unanimously In Favor Of The New Refund Rule
Inside a terminal of SFO, San Francisco International Airport
Over on Reddit, users discussed the refund change. The reaction was mostly positive, though one user admitted this was long overdue, especially given that Europe implemented this rule prior.
The user writes, “That’s cool and about time. It’s already a law in Europe, along with compensation if you’re made late.”
Another person revealed the same circumstance for the UK and its trains. “Automatic refunds for trains were introduced here in the UK a few years ago. We get partial refunds for delayed services too depending on the total delay time. It really should be standard for all similar services.”
As for other users, they’re glad to see the frustration of getting a reimbursement finally over with.
“Vouchers also expire, had a delta voucher for a year after they canceled a flight. Never used it cause it was a one way. Super glad this exists now.”
The new ruling is currently in effect. Travelers are hoping for a smoother experience heading into the busy holiday season.