How long does an airline have to reimburse you?

Decoding the Airline Reimbursement Timeline: How Long Until You Get Your Money Back?

Dealing with flight cancellations, overbooking, or significant schedule changes is frustrating enough. The last thing you want to worry about is chasing after a refund. Thankfully, federal regulations are in place to protect passengers and ensure airlines don’t hold onto your money indefinitely. Understanding these timelines is crucial to navigating the reimbursement process and knowing when to take action.

The Official Reimbursement Clock: Seven Days and Twenty Days

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) mandates specific timeframes for airlines to issue refunds for eligible tickets. The key here is understanding how you originally paid for your flight:

• Credit Card Purchases: Airlines are obligated to process refunds within seven business days when the initial payment was made using a credit card. This is the fastest reimbursement timeline.
• Other Payment Methods: For purchases made with cash, checks, debit cards, or even airline miles, the refund timeline extends to 20 calendar days.

It’s important to note that these are maximum timeframes. While airlines might aim to process refunds quicker, they are legally bound to adhere to these deadlines.

Understanding the “Eligible Ticket” Catch

It’s important to clarify what situations qualify for a refund under these DOT regulations. Generally, you’re entitled to a refund when:

• The Airline Cancels the Flight: If the airline pulls the plug on your flight, you are entitled to a full refund, regardless of the fare type (even “non-refundable” tickets).
• The Airline Makes a Significant Schedule Change: A “significant” change is often defined as a delay of several hours, a change of airport, or a change in the number of connections. The specifics can vary by airline, but generally, if the changes render the flight unsuitable for your needs, you’re due a refund.
• The Airline Significantly Alters Your Itinerary: This could involve changes to your routing or the class of service you booked.
• You Paid for Optional Services You Didn’t Receive: Think baggage fees for lost luggage, seat upgrades you didn’t get, or in-flight Wi-Fi that wasn’t available.

The Refund Must Mirror the Original Payment Method

Another crucial aspect of the regulations is that the refund must be issued using the same method as the original payment. This means:

• Credit Card: The refund will be credited back to the same credit card used for the purchase.
• Cash: The refund should be issued in the form of a check or electronic transfer.
• Airline Miles: Your miles should be returned to your frequent flyer account.
• Voucher: Vouchers are generally discouraged and are typically only offered if you agree to accept them. You have the right to a full refund in the original payment method.

What To Do If You’re Not Reimbursed On Time

If the airline fails to process your refund within the mandated timeframes, here’s a step-by-step approach:

1. Contact the Airline Directly: Start by reaching out to the airline’s customer service department. Keep detailed records of your communication, including dates, times, and the names of representatives you spoke with.
2. Escalate Within the Airline: If customer service is unresponsive, try to escalate the issue to a supervisor or a higher department.
3. File a Complaint with the Department of Transportation: If you’ve exhausted your options with the airline and are still waiting for a refund, file a formal complaint with the DOT. You can do this online through the DOT’s website. The DOT will investigate your complaint and work with the airline to resolve the issue.
4. Consider a Chargeback (Credit Card Purchases Only): If you paid with a credit card and the airline is unresponsive, you can file a chargeback with your credit card company. Provide documentation of the flight cancellation, your attempts to contact the airline, and the DOT regulations.
5. Small Claims Court: As a last resort, you can consider pursuing legal action in small claims court.

Staying Informed and Protecting Yourself

Being a well-informed traveler is your best defense. Before booking a flight, review the airline’s refund policy and familiarize yourself with your rights as a passenger. Keep records of all your travel documents, including your ticket confirmation, baggage receipts, and any communication with the airline. By understanding the reimbursement timelines and knowing your options, you can navigate the refund process with confidence and ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. Remember, the DOT regulations are there to protect you, so don’t hesitate to exercise your rights.