By Christopher Elliot | Correspondent
Q: I booked a flight from Tampa to San Diego on American Airways. The day earlier than my flight, I acquired a notification that it had been canceled as a result of Hurricane Milton. I requested a refund however American Airways issued a flight credit score that expires in a single yr. I solely booked the ticket the day earlier than, so I really feel I ought to get a full refund. Are you able to assist me get my $321 again? – Nathan Ciurzynski, Bradenton, Fla.
A: It is best to have acquired a full refund in your canceled flight. When an airline cancels your flight, it owes you a refund, whatever the cause for the cancellation. It doesn’t matter in case your ticket was refundable or not. It is best to get a refund. Full cease.
Curiously, your flight cancellation occurred simply earlier than a brand new authorities regulation went into impact. The rule mandates computerized money refunds when an airline cancels its flight. If the hurricane had waited a couple of weeks, then you definately wouldn’t have had this drawback. However your case is necessary as a result of hurricane season is simply beginning, and airways are solely getting used to this rule. Who is aware of, they may overlook?
So what occurred? A have a look at your itinerary suggests American solely canceled one leg of your flight, from Tampa to Dallas. I suppose that doesn’t depend as a full canceled flight. I’m kidding! It definitely does.
I contacted American in your behalf to see if the flight credit score was its finest supply. It wasn’t. “The ticket will be refunded,” an American Airways spokeswoman instructed me. And it was.
Let’s hope that with this new federal rule, we’ll by no means get one other refund case like yours. However if you happen to do — properly, the place to seek out me.
