THE REVERE ADVOCATE – THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025 Page 21 BBB Tip: Flight canceled? Tips for handling travel delays T he Better Business Bureau® (BBB) provides guidance to travelers who might be seeking compensation and refunds for airline cancellations. When a consumer is fl ying domestically in the United States, rules regarding flight delays and cancellations are overseen by the U.S. Department of Transportation. In general, no U.S. federal laws require airlines to compensate passengers for a delayed fl ight. Airlines might have policies and provide better benefi ts if a fl ight is canceled or significantly delayed within the airline’s scope of control. Consumers might have additional benefi ts if they purchase the fl ight with a credit card that off ers additional travel protections. Check the cardholder agreement with the airline. Consumers should keep receipts for extra purchases, like a hotel room, to submit them to their airline or credit card company for reimbursement later. Typically, nearly all domestic airlines will try to accommodate passengers on the next available fl ight and sometimes on a different carrier. When fl ights are canceled by the airline, consumers are always entitled to a full refund. This includes refunding bag fees or extras for a seat, such as additional legroom. Ask about expiration and blackout dates if the airline off ers a voucher instead of a refund. Airlines might also have additional restrictions on the use of vouchers. Consumers are not obligated to accept vouchers and may insist on a full refund. However, if the consumer cancels the trip, they might not be entitled to a full refund. BBB is asking consumers to keep the following tips in mind when handling travel disruptions. • Check delays: Travelers can check their latest fl ight information on their carrier’s website or via the airline’s telephone reservation system. Delays often don’t occur until the day of the fl ight, and the airline must update its fl ight information within 30 minutes of receiving a status change notice. • Check carrier and credit card terms: While federal regulations don’t require airlines to reimburse expenses, such as rooms or food, in the event a flight is canceled or severely delayed, the carrier and credit card companies might have different policies. Purchase tickets with a credit card that off ers trip protection or traveler insurance and check individual airline policies. • Keep documentation: Keep receipts and records for expenses incurred due to a significantly delayed or canceled fl ight. These might be needed later to recover expenses. • Check the carrier’s website: Most airlines allow consumers to initiate refunds directly on the carrier’s website. Using a website might help a consumer obtain a refund or rebook a trip much faster than waiting for a consumer service agent in person or on the phone. • Consider travel insurance: Most travel insurance policies cover trip cancellations or interruptions; emergency medical situations; lost, stolen or damaged baggage; and cancellations for any reason. It’s important to check with the provider to verify what is covered and what is not. • Rules are different for foreign fl ights: Flights canceled in another country will be aff ected by the laws of that nation. Check with the local country’s department of transportation while traveling internationally. FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT EVERETT 1 bedroom, 1 bath furnished room for rent. $275. per week rent. Two week deposit plus 1 week rent required. Call: 617-435-9047 - NO TEXT Visit https://www.bbb.org/ all/travel for more tips and resources for future travel plans. Read https://www.bbb.org/ Licensed & Insured Free Estimates Carpentry * Kitchen & Bath * Roofs * Painting Decks * Siding * Carrijohomeimprovement.com Call 781-710-8918 * Saugus, MA General Contractor * Interior & Exterior article/news-releases/23352bbb-tip-travel-safely-on-yourvacation. YOUR LOCAL NEWS & SPORTS IN SIX LANGUAGES. SUBSCRIBE TO THE ADVOCATE ONLINE BY SCANNING HERE!
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