US weather: Over 700 flights cancelled, more than 1,100 delayed. Check flight cancellation policy, compensation

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

In cases where your flights are affected by adverse weather conditions, being aware of your rights becomes crucial. Depending on the circumstances, you might qualify for compensation from the airline or even a complete refund.

The Department of Transportation provides an airline customer service dashboard, offering valuable insights into your rights, and the commitments outlined there carry legal weight for the airlines. As a general guideline, if your flight gets canceled for any reason, and you opt not to proceed with alternative flight options provided, you are typically entitled to a refund.

For delays caused by the airline, such as those stemming from crew scheduling or mechanical issues, compensation is a requirement. However, it's essential to note that «uncontrollable delays», like those arising from weather conditions or air traffic control mandates, usually do not qualify for compensation.

Meanwhile, flight cancellations in the US fell to the lowest rate in at least a decade in 2023, the US Transportation Department said last Wednesday, after a string of bumpy years for air travel.

There were 16.3 million US flights in 2023 and a cancellation rate of below 1.2 per cent, the lowest since at least 2013, USDOT said, adding that it was even better over the holidays.

The cancellation rate for the period from December 17, 2023 through Jan. 1, 2024 was 0.8 per cent, despite a record number of passengers, the department said.

That was far below last holiday season's 8.2 per cent cancellation rate, which included the Southwest Airlines meltdown that disrupted 2 million passengers and led to a record-setting $140 million civil penalty last month.

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