• Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
Live and Let's Fly
  • Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
Home » Travel » Getting Refunds for Significantly Delayed, Cancelled Flights
Travel

Getting Refunds for Significantly Delayed, Cancelled Flights

Kyle Stewart Posted onAugust 13, 2023August 13, 2023 Leave a Comment

Air travel can be unpredictable, and having a flight delayed or cancelled is a common issue that travelers face. We delve into the matter of seeking refunds for significantly delayed or cancelled flights, with a special focus on the concept of “trip in vain.” Here’s a roadmap to understanding your rights and the steps to take in these unfortunate situations.


If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support LiveAndLetsFly.com.


If you haven’t followed us on Facebook or Instagram, add us today.

Understanding “Trip in Vain”

What is “Trip in Vain?”

The term “trip in vain” refers to a scenario where the purpose of a journey becomes pointless due to significant delays or cancellations. For instance, if you’re flying to a business meeting and the flight is delayed to the point where you’d miss the meeting, your trip would be classified as a “trip in vain.”

If an itinerary uses a connection, “trip in vain” is even more confusing. For example, let’s say you’re flying from Buffalo to New Orleans via Chicago for a meeting, departing in the morning and returning the next evening. If you’re meeting was a dinner event on the day you were to arrive, but you’re stuck in O’Hare due to a maintenance issue, you might not make it in time. Trip in vain would refund your ticket and should return you back to Buffalo. Policies vary by carrier, but if it’s their issue (more variances for weather) most will get you back to Buffalo with your money back.

Let’s look at other options for the above scenario. While tickets will be expensive with no advance notice, you could use that refund and fly with another carrier assuming your airline won’t use interline agreements to place you on the competing carrier.

Federal Law and Airlines’ Responsibility

Under federal law, airlines are obliged to take certain actions when a flight is significantly delayed or cancelled. Depending on the circumstances, you might be entitled to a full refund or rebooking without additional charges. Airlines will rebook passengers when it can fit into the airline’s schedule but that may negate the purpose of the trip for the traveler. A good example would be a traveler going to a wedding, the airline incurs a delay that will deliver them to the destination after the wedding is over – the purpose of the trip is lost and the money paid for the flight is potentially due back to the flyer.

Bad Weather and Travel Season

During peak travel seasons, bad weather can exacerbate delays and cancellations. Understanding your rights during these periods is essential, as airlines may offer different remedies, such as a voucher for future travel or travel credit. While weather delays may limit refund opportunities, most trip-in-vain claims are still honored even if the cause of the delay is inclement weather.

Steps to Take When Your Flight is Cancelled or Delayed

Check the Flight Status and Fine Print

Always verify your flight status on the airline website or airline app. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, consult the fine print of your ticket. It may contain crucial information about what you’re entitled to. Most travelers don’t examine the fine print, but the contract of carriage is easily searched online and can give you talking points to achieve favorable results. In most cases you’ll be offered a voucher for future travel but the contract of carriage will likely allow you a cash refund.

Calling the Airline and Talking to Representatives

Immediate communication with the airline is key. Calling the airline or speaking to airline representatives at the airport can help you understand your options, whether it’s rebooking a nonstop flight, a connecting flight, or receiving a cash refund for a refundable ticket. It’s best to conduct your own research and find flight options that work for you on the carrier via other airports and routes to feed through to the rep.

Utilizing Social Media and Other Resources

Sometimes, taking to social media or seeking guidance from experts like Scott Keyes, the founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights (now Going), can provide additional insights and support. Twitter was the best method to get quick results from carriers that have long hold times and lines for customer service that wrap around the terminal. Some airlines have moved away from Twitter without replacing it with a similarly efficient method.

Alternatives: Vouchers, Travel Credits, and More

Considering Travel Credit and Vouchers for Future Travel

If a full refund is not an option, airlines will often offer a voucher for future travel or travel credit. Assessing these alternatives depends on your unique situation and preferences. You may, however, be able to get more than the value of your ticket depending on the reason for the delay/cancellation. Negotiate for the maximum amount but note that some carriers require the voucher to be used in full and almost all have an expiry date, usually one year from issuance.

Understanding Non-Refundable and Refundable Tickets

Knowing the difference between non-refundable and refundable tickets is vital. While refundable tickets usually entitle passengers to a full refund, non-refundable tickets might only offer travel credits. That said, you might be surprised so always try for a cash refund if possible.

If you’re traveling on a mileage redemption, you may still be entitled to cash compensation.

Drawing Insights from the Chaos of Delays and Cancellations

Navigating the world of flight delays and cancellations can be overwhelming. By understanding the concept of “trip in vain,” knowing your rights under federal law, being proactive with the airline, and considering all available options, you can turn a stressful experience into an informed journey. Remember, the airline’s obligation to you varies, so staying informed and proactive can make all the difference in these challenging travel scenarios.

Get Daily Updates

Join our mailing list for a daily summary of posts! We never sell your info.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Previous Article More Details Emerge About How A United Airlines 777 Almost Crashed Into Ocean
Next Article Avianca LifeMiles Wins USA Today Reader’s Choice Best Program

About Author

Kyle Stewart

Kyle is a freelance travel writer with contributions to Time, the Washington Post, MSNBC, Yahoo!, Reuters, Huffington Post, MapHappy, Live And Lets Fly and many other media outlets. He is also co-founder of Scottandthomas.com, a travel agency that delivers "Travel Personalized." He focuses on using miles and points to provide a premium experience for his wife and daughter. Email: sherpa@thetripsherpa.com

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

Related Posts

  • JetBlue Madrid

    United-JetBlue Tie Up Leaves American Airlines Bloodied

    June 1, 2025
  • Fauci Restrictions

    COVID Numbers Rising But No Masks On Planes This Time Around

    September 29, 2024
  • carnival cruise cancellation policy

    Whose Fault? Traveler Shared Details, $15k Trip Cancelled

    June 9, 2024

Leave a Reply

Cancel reply

Search

Hot Deals for July

Note: Please see my Advertiser Disclosure

Capital One Venture X Business Card
Earn 150,000 Miles Sign Up Bonus
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Earn 100,000 Points
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Earn 75,000 Miles!
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Earn 75,000 Miles
Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Earn $750 Cash Back
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Earn 120,000 Membership Reward® Points

Recent Posts

  • TSA Shoe Requirement
    TSA Ends Shoe Removal Requirement At Airport Checkpoints July 7, 2025
  • Cowboy Bomb Alaska Airlines
    “I Have A Bomb Under My Hat!” Cowboy Pulls Stupid Stunt On Alaska Airlines Flight July 7, 2025
  • a group of people standing in a line with luggage
    Delta’s Swanky JFK Lounge Can’t Handle Summer Crowds… July 7, 2025
  • Eurowings A319 Economy Class Review
    Review: Eurowings A319 Economy Class July 7, 2025

Categories

Popular Posts

  • Favorite Airline Commercials
    My 10 Favorite Airline Commercials June 15, 2025
  • a blue passport on a black surface
    All The Patriotic Quotes In Your U.S. Passport July 4, 2025
  • Qantas Lounge Review Hong Kong
    Review: Qantas Lounge Hong Kong (HKG) June 14, 2025
  • a row of seats in an airplane
    If You Abuse Company Travel Policy, Expect To Be Fired! June 16, 2025

Archives

July 2025
M T W T F S S
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031  
« Jun    

As seen on:

facebook twitter instagram rss
Privacy Policy © Live and Let's Fly All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Live and Let's Fly with appropriate and specific directions to the original content.