Amid a barrage of winter weather disruptions, New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued a consumer alert to airline passengers, informing them of their rights during these turbulent times. According to a statement obtained by the Office of the New York State Attorney General, travelers are urged to know what they're owed when flights get canceled or delayed in the face of unpredictable winter storms. "Winter storms are unpredictable, but travelers' rights are not," James said. "If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed, you may be entitled to a refund."
As the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern continues to ripple through the travel industry, passengers have found themselves facing a slew of cancellations and delays. The alert comes with an admonition for travelers, to file complaints online if their flight plans are disrupted, even as additional winter storms loom on the horizon. With booking details and any supporting documentation, travelers may be entitled to compensation, Attorney General James reminds New Yorkers left stranded or with alternate travel plans following the storm.
If a flight gets significantly delayed or if an airline cancels it, or a ticketed passenger is denied boarding, the possibility of compensation floats in the air. You can submit complaints through an online system, ensuring you have all relevant details such as ticket information, flight numbers, and dates. Having been severely disrupted, passengers disrupted by the recent Winter Storm Fern are still potentially owed refunds. Moreover, regardless of why a flight is canceled, travelers are entitled to a refund if they opt not to travel or refuse other compensations like credits or vouchers, as James pointed out in a recent news release.
In an event where an airline has overbooked, and too few volunteers have stepped forward, passengers bumped from a flight might see compensation head their way. They must also receive a written explanation of their rights and how bump-offs are decided. But remember, while airlines can offer goodies like meal vouchers or hotel stays out of their own volition, they aren't mandated by federal law to do so when it's the weather causing delays or cancellations. For more clarity on what aid might be available, passengers should comb through their airline's customer service commitments.
Lastly, if you're traveling and the skies decide to turn gray, keep an eye on your flight status, be aware of your options before you agree to rebooking or credits, save any related documentation, and don't hesitate to file a complaint with the OAG if you smell something fishy with refunds or shady practices. For those needing to file a complaint, the OAG website provides a simple way to do so, or travelers can reach out by phone at 1-800-771-7755.
