It’s no secret that summer air travel can be turbulent (no pun intended). So far this season, I’ve observed plenty of storms causing diversions, delays, and cancellations, throwing many travel plans into a mess.
I’ve also written several posts regarding summer travel, including what happens to air traffic during thunderstorms, and some of my tips on how to avoid getting yourself into a summer weather delay. That said, these weather events are very hard to predict and are quite inevitable.
It’s important to know what to expect when you do get involved in a lengthy delay, both for the convenience and for the sake of your sanity. Unfortunately, let me get the tough news out first: airlines will offer little to no financial compensation during weather disruptions, as it’s an event that’s out of their control.
Let’s Start Off With the Hard News
Generally, airlines will compensate for delays and cancellations that are within their control. The DOT considers maintenance delays, crew issues, cabin cleaning, baggage loading, and fueling to be under this umbrella.
Airlines will not cover costs for out-of-control situations, such as weather, ATC issues, or security-related events. The passenger will be responsible for any necessary overnight accommodation and alternate transportation (such as OAL travel or rental cars).
I also want to add that “weather” applies not only to storms at your origin and/or your destination airport. Any weather that’s between you and your destination requires your flight to take an alternate routing, which may be at capacity or require more fuel to complete the trip. Even weather in a different region can have a compounding effect on operations elsewhere, as crew and aircraft can get stuck in places they aren’t supposed to be.
Moreover, weather delays can cause maintenance delays or crew delays. You may hear your pilot or gate agent talk about having to perform an inspection or the crew timing out. But if the root cause of these is weather, this will still be considered an out-of-control situation for the airline, and you won’t receive compensation.
Refunds During Delays
So, if you won’t get compensation during weather disruptions, what are your alternatives?
A major option you have during a significant delay is to cancel your flight for a refund. If the delay is big enough (usually more than 3 hours), the airline will refund to your original form of payment. However, you’ll be responsible for any alternate form of travel, as we discussed above.
If the travel distance is close enough, it may be an idea to cancel and use the refund money for a rental car. I’ve done similar during weather delays in the past; I voluntarily disembarked a flight, cancelled the trip, and booked an Amtrak ticket instead for a similar price. Read about that story here.
In any case, I always avoid booking basic economy for the flexibility. You’ll always have to option to cancel and get a refund, even if it’s a travel credit.
Meal Vouchers
In a lengthy delay, you can often expect a meal voucher from the airline.
I’ve gotten $12 vouchers from Delta during previous weather delays. I’d say it’s a case-by-case basis, but this is often an area airlines are willing to cash out. It’s not a ton of money though, especially considering airport store prices.
I remember laughing out loud at my $12 voucher during a 7-hour delay one time. I was like, “I guess I’ll stick with a Snickers and a water for $12 for the next 7 hours!” 😅
Travel Insurance Through Credit Cards
If you have a travel rewards credit card, chances are you already have some form of travel insurance/protection.
With this travel protection, your credit card will cover unexpected costs stemming from hiccups in your travel plans. Policies vary significantly for each credit card though, so it’s key to go through each one to see what they offer. Most situations include weather, injuries/death/illness, baggage damage, jury duty, military order, and more.
I have a few that come to mind:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve: Up to $10,000 per person a year, $20,000 per trip. Total of $40,000 per 12-month period.
- The Platinum Card from American Express: Up to $10,000 per trip. Total of $20,000 per 12-month period.
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve: Up to $10,000 per trip. Total of $20,000 per 12-month period.
Make sure to keep receipts and other relevant information for the travel protection.
Bottom Line
Weather is unpredictable and out of everyone’s control, and airlines hate these disruptions just as much as we do. We unfortunately can’t expect any compensation during storms, but having some form of travel protection through a travel rewards credit card and having a flexible schedule can often help in these situations.
Check out some of my tips on summer air travel to avoid weather disruptions, such as booking flights in the morning.
Featured image by the author.
