I got totally screwed a few months ago when my flight was canceled due to a storm. American put me on a flight a day later, even thought other airlines had sooner flights. I should have been given an immediate refund and been able to book with another airline. Ended up costing me an extra night's hotel stay, which American again claimed they didn't have to cover because it was weather related.

no longer entitled to a refund. They didn't tell you that. Back then, it was UP TO YOU to figure it out for yourself AND REQUEST IT YOURSELF. Now, "the airlines" MUST give all domestic passengers with delays of more than 3 hours (YES, EVEN DUE TO WEATHER) a FULL CASH REFUND. The new rules just went into effect.

I can see lots of Thanksgiving and Xmas flights getting automatically refunded now.

From the USA Today link in the OP.


Refunds for canceled flights

Even before the new rule was announced, the DOT required airlines to provide refunds to travelers whose flights were canceled, so long as they chose not to take alternative flights offered by the airline.

The DOT's policy clarifies how and when these refunds need to be processed. Under the latest guidelines, an airline must provide the refunds automatically, without passengers specifically requesting them. Airlines and ticket agents are also required to complete the refund within seven days for credit card purchases, and 20 days for other forms of payment.

The refunds must be made to the original form of payment – they cannot be covered by airline vouchers or credits if the tickets weren't paid for that way. And, the refunds must cover the full, unused value of the ticket. Airlines will not be required to issue refunds for segments of an itinerary that were already flown before the trip was canceled.

I’d rather be four hours late than have to go through the hassle of rebooking on a new flight from the airport. Especially if it’s due to weather. Yes, kayak and Priceline sort of make it easy but not knowing whether there is even an alternative available on the same day is a huge pain. And prices often jump due to the now larger number of people trying to book different flights.

I’d rather not have to return home (100 miles) just for an extra hour’s lateness.

I drive for Lyft and alot of my pickups and dropoffs are at DFW airport. I see so many passengers go through this--usually canceled flights and getting stuck due to weather. My heart goes out to them, because DFW airport is no small airport to navigate.So many times I've seen them get in the car exhausted, because they have waited hours for a delayed flight, only to have it canceled. And then to find out the hotels are booked. I'm so glad there's compensation sooner than a week later