Over 1000 flights delayed, 58 cancelled in US on Thursday amid bad weather: What travellers need to know about refund rules

Over 1,059 flights were delayed while 58 were cancelled on Thursday in the US, NJ.com reported citing FlightAware data. The disruption was attributed primarily to adverse weather conditions, including strong winds in Boston and the New York metropolitan area, thunderstorms in Phoenix, and rain in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas. Low clouds in Seattle also posed challenges for flight operations.

Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified several weather-related issues affecting airports across the country. Strong winds may cause delays in Boston (BOS) and the New York tri-state area, including John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), FAA said.

As per FAA's daily air traffic report, thunderstorms is expected at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), while rain expected at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Low cloud cover in Seattle (SEA) could also contribute to further delays.


Passengers travelling on affected routes are thus advised to check their flight status with their airlines before heading to the airport and review the applicable cancellation and refund policies.

US Flight Refund Rules: What Passengers Should Know

Under US Department of Transportation (DOT) rules, introduced in 2024, passengers travelling to, from or within the United States are entitled to automatic refunds when their flights are cancelled or significantly changed. As per cntraveler.com, the DOT rules are applicable "for any reason—including “uncontrollable” factors such as weather".

Under the DOT rules, passengers are entitled to a full refund if their flight is delayed by more than three hours for domestic travel or six hours for international travel, provided they reject alternative arrangements. However, travellers must reject alternative flights, rescheduled itineraries and other compensation, such as travel vouchers, to qualify for a refund.

Passengers delayed by two hours are not automatically entitled to compensation, although airlines may voluntarily offer meal credits or travel vouchers.

Airlines must issue refunds automatically once passengers reject alternative itineraries. Refunds must be processed within seven business days for credit card payments and 20 calendar days for other payment methods. The refund must cover the full ticket price, including taxes and fees, minus any portion of the ticket already used.

What if an airline refuses a refund?

Passengers should retain airline emails, text messages, boarding passes, photographs of airport information boards and receipts for expenses incurred during the disruption. They should also request written confirmation of the reason for the delay or cancellation.

If an airline refuses to follow the refund rules, travellers can file a complaint with the DOT.