2023 Travel Tips

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The recent problems at airports across the country may have you wondering what your options are if your flights are canceled or delayed or if you run into other problems while traveling. Your attorney through our Legal Protection Subscription Plans for Individuals & Families will be able to give you legal advice for your specific situation for no additional cost. Learn more about all the benefits of membership and read on for a few basic travel tips for the coming year.

If Your Trip Is Canceled

Cancellations usually have to be caused by an event or a third party in order for you to have a legal case. There are some cases where you have legal standing if you have to cancel your trip, such as an illness, death or injury to a close family member, civil unrest, or military employment, to name a few. If you need to cancel your trip and you're having trouble getting a refund from the airline, your attorney may be able to give you advice and assistance.

If Your Flight Is Delayed

Delays longer than four hours may require that the airline reimburse you. You can be reimbursed for expenses such as lodging, meals, and other transportation caused by the delay. Delays caused by severe weather, maintenance, or other reasons may also be covered, so check with your provider attorney for advice about your specific situation.

Lost Luggage

Your suitcases and other luggage must be missing for a certain amount of time before it is considered lost. Make sure that you know what that amount of time is, and, if your luggage does become officially lost, you can be reimbursed for the value of the contents up to a certain amount.

Keep A List Of What You Packed

Making a list of everything of value that is packed into your suitcases or other luggage will help if your belongings are lost. If you pack items of value (such as cameras, jewelry, tablets, phones, etc), you may reach the upper limit of airline reimbursement. It's important to make wise choices regarding what you decide to pack.

Don't let the worries of potential issues keep you from enjoying travel this year. By preparing for the kinds of scenarios we're seeing across the country, you can still travel and enjoy your trip knowing that all your legal bases are covered if your flights are delayed or canceled or if your luggage gets lost. Learn more about all the benefits of membership or sign up now!

Traveler's Rights

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As people begin traveling again, you may find that airports are crowded, flights are cancelled, and that there are increased delays, and, while airlines and other travel-related businesses may give you a refund or voucher for your inconvenience, that isn't always the case. A smooth trip begins with knowing your rights as a traveler and consumer, and knowing what to do if your trip is delayed or cancelled. How do you know if you are owed compensation? What rights do you have as a traveler and consumer? Our network of dedicated attorneys in our network of law firms across North America and the UK can advise you on your specific situation at no additional cost to members of our Legal Protection Plans for Individuals & Families. In the meantime, here are a few traveling tips to protect your rights:

Your Options

When a flight is cancelled, sometimes, the airline will offer a refund or a different flight. Understanding the legal language used in these offers is important, because they are often confusing and unclear. If you are unsure what the language the airline has used in your offer means, you can ask the customer service representatives or ticket counter staff to clarify what it means for your situation. Some questions that might be pertinent to your situation include: Is the airline covering hotel costs associated with this delay?" and "What kind of compensation is the airline offering?"

Communication

If there are to be long delays, the airline should be communicating with you and giving you the most up-to-date information available. Alternate transportation should also be provided.

Terms, Rules, & Regulations

Airlines often have their own terms, conditions, rules, and regulations, and they are not required by law to give you refunds when flights are delayed or cancelled. However, most airlines have policies regarding these circumstances, and they should be publicly available. Make sure to read through what these stipulations are to determine if you are entitled to a refund or other compensation. Ask questions to make sure you understand all your options.

Typical Refund Eligibility

Don't assume you'll get a refund if your flight is cancelled or delayed. Because some things are out of the airlines' controls, they are not required to refund you, but most airlines have some considerations in their policies, including the length of the delay and what caused it. If your flight is significantly delayed, your cost may be refunded, but you should keep in mind that the U.S. Department of Transportation has not defined what qualifies as a "significant delay," so airlines typically make these considerations on a case-by-case basis. When flights are cancelled, airlines typically re-book your flight at no cost to you, many times, on the next flight out if there are enough available seats. If you decide to cancel your trip due to the delay, you are entitled to a refund for the travel, bag fees, and anything else you paid the airline for. When delays and cancellations are out of the airline's control, the Department of Transportation says that compensation is required only when passengers are removed from a flight due to overbooking. Some examples of things that are deemed out of control of the airline are: weather, air traffic control issues, political unrest, security problems, and terrorism. If the cause of the delay or cancellation is due to something under control of the airline, they may offer you a refund or other compensation. These reasons are things such as scheduling or labor strikes.

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, remain calm and make note of details. Take screenshots of communications between the airline and yourself and make note of the amount of time you wait. Ask questions and get clarifications before accepting vouchers, and if you have questions, ask your attorney. Our network of experienced, dedicated lawyers are available 24/7 through our app, so you can have your attorney look through the language of any offer you receive before you accept it. This is just one of the hundreds of benefits of having an attorney in your pocket through our Legal Protection Subscription Plans for Individuals & Families. Don't wait until you need them: sign up today!