Will an Airline rebook me on another airline in the case of a long delay or cancellation?
I am going on my next trip by Air next week. I am going to Costa Rica leaving DCA via Charlotte. I notice that on occasion the morning flight to Charlotte is cancelled or seriously delayed. I wonder what a typical Airline, like US Airways, does with passengers when a delay or cancellation on the first flight to the connecting city will not allow the passenger to make his connection. How often will they endorse their ticket to another Airline so they can make it out that day? Or is it more common that they would force them to try again the next day? (Which would cause me to miss the departure of my tour in Costa Rica).
Air Travel - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
It depends on WHY the cancellation happens. If it's because of something they could not help, such as air traffic control or weather, they WILL NOT reimburse you...it's just something out of their control. If it cancels because of their fault, repairs to airplane, you'll get reimbursed. They'll definitely get you on the next flight, food and probably a hotel if needed. If they partner/have an agreement with another airline, that may be an option too. It depends on the agent/airline. Call ahead if you're really worried. Always give PLENTY of time between connecting flights, especially international ones. There aren't too many planes leaving to international cities, much less than US cities...as where an agent can usually get you to a US city much much quicker because they leave more often. Hope that helps.
2 :
I don't know exactly how often it happens, but I do know that they do it. I had a flight delayed so long that I missed my connection. When I got to my connection airport, that plane had left just an hour earlier and the next one going out was "the next afternoon". Chances are they will not automatically do it for you, either. You will have to find your airline's Help Desk and talk to someone there.
3 :
If the flight is delayed or canceled they will reschedule you on the next available flight that will enable you to make your connecting flight and get to your destination. Since the flights are delayed or canceled and it's their fault they will make sure to get you rescheduled flights to get you to the destination you paid for. This has actually happened to me. I was leaving from l.a. and my flight was delayed. I couldn't schedule for the next flight out since I would have to get a hotel in the connecting city and wasn't 18. So i was able to choose between a few itineraries that gave me enough time between connecting flights and was rescheduled with no additional charges.
