Can you get a refund if an airline changes your schedule?

Your Rights When Airlines Change Your Schedule

Air travel can be unpredictable, and sometimes airlines have to make changes to their schedules. When this happens, passengers may be entitled to a refund if the changes significantly alter the original flight and make it unsuitable.

What Qualifies for a Refund?

According to regulations, airlines are obligated to provide refunds when there are substantial schedule alterations that:

• Render the original flight unsuitable: The changes may involve significant delays, cancellations, or significant route modifications that make the flight no longer meet the passenger’s needs.
• Are within the airline’s control: The refund only applies if the airline is at fault for the disruption. This means that weather-related cancellations or other unforeseen circumstances may not qualify for a refund.

Passenger’s Options

When an airline makes a substantial schedule change, passengers have the following options:

• Accept the revised itinerary: If the revised flight meets your needs, you do not have the right to a refund.
• Decline the revised itinerary: If the changes render the flight unsuitable, you have the right to request a refund.

How to Request a Refund

To request a refund, passengers should:

• Contact the airline directly (customer service hotline, website, or email).
• Explain the situation and provide details of the schedule changes that make the flight unsuitable.
• Request a full refund of the ticket price.

Passenger Protection

Passengers should be aware that airlines are not required to provide additional compensation beyond the refund of the ticket price. This means that passengers may not be able to claim additional expenses incurred due to the flight change (e.g., hotel accommodations, transportation).

In conclusion, when airlines make substantial schedule alterations that make the original flight unsuitable, passengers have the right to request a refund. This applies only if the airline is at fault for the disruption. Passengers should always check with the airline directly to understand their options and request a refund if necessary.