Southwest flight delay compensation
Flight delays with Southwest Airlines can always happen, but there are rules in place to protect your rights as a passenger. In this article, we will explain your air passenger rights during flight delays and whether you can receive compensation. We’ll focus on passengers traveling within the United States and discuss the European Union Regulation 261/2004, which offers substantial protection for EU flights Even though Southwest Airlines doesn’t cross the pond (yet), it could serve as a model for future regulations
Flight delay compensation Southwest in the US
If your Southwest flight within the United States is delayed, it’s important to understand the regulations that protect your passenger rights.
Although no federal law mandates compensation for Southwest flight delays, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has set guidelines that airlines must follow to treat passengers fairly. This lead to the following commitments by Southwest Airlines:
- Rebook passenger on same airline at no additional cost for significant delays
- Meal or meal cash/voucher when flight delay results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more
- Complimentary hotel accommodations for any passenger affected by an overnight delay
- Complimentary ground transportation to and from hotel for any passenger affected by an overnight delay
Southwest Airlines does not commit to
- Rebook on partner airline or another airline with which it has an agreement at no additional cost for significant delays
- Cash compensation when a delay results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more from the scheduled departure time
- Credit/travel voucher when delay results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more from the scheduled departure time
- Frequent flyer miles when delay results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more from the scheduled departure time
The US Department of Transportation made a table named “Commitments for Controllable Cancellations” that displays what Southwest has to do for travelers in case their flights are delayed.
Airlines normally assure travelers that they will get a free re-booking on the next available flight in case of a delay. Still, whether travelers will receive any compensation for the delay will depend on different factors, such as whether the delay can be controlled or not.
The DOT describes controllable delays as delays that occur due to problems like maintenance issues, crew scheduling conflicts, difficulties with fuel or baggage loading, and delays in cabin cleaning. In these situations the airline is responsibility.
EU flight delay compensation for Southwest
Southwest Airlines primarily operates domestic flights within the United States and nearby nations. Although Southwest does not offer service to Europe, it is beneficial to consult EU regulations.
These guidelines can provide an outline for how the United States addresses compensation for delayed domestic flights.
A law referred to as EU261 ensures passenger rights for European Union flights, including flights to or from EU countries and intra-Union trips.
Passengers on SU carriers flying from the US to Europe are not covered by EU261. If your US carrier flight from Europe to the United States is delayed, EU261 does apply.
When traveling to or from Europe with a European airline, all passengers, including those from the United States, are protected by EU261. Here are the main rights you have under EU261 in the event of a flight delay:
- If your flight is delayed for over three hours and the delay is within the airline’s control, you may be qualified for compensation ranging from $264 to $635, depending on the length of the flight.
- In addition, you have the right to be provided with care. Airlines must give you essential care during delays, which includes food, drinks, and lodging if needed, based on how long the delay is and the lenght of the flight.
- If your flight is substantially delayed or canceled, you can choose between rescheduling on another flight or getting a complete refund for your ticket.
If the flight is delayed due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, like severe weather or air traffic control strikes, the airline does not have to provide compensation. However, the airline is responsible for providing care and assistance during the delay.
Southwest may have to adopt
The US Department of Transportation and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg proposed new rules to enhance passenger protections in the United States.
The regulations are alike those in the European Union. It grants more rights to Southwest passengers when confronted with flight delays.
Stay tuned for more updates on these upcoming changes, which will empower American passengers with enhanced rights and ensure a smoother travel experience.
My Southwest flight is delayed, what are my rights?
Although no federal law mandates compensation for Southwest flight delays, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has set guidelines that airlines must follow to treat passengers fairly. This lead to the following commitments by Southwest Airlines:
- Rebook passenger on same airline at no additional cost for significant delays
- Meal or meal cash/voucher when flight delay results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more
- Complimentary hotel accommodations for any passenger affected by an overnight delay
- Complimentary ground transportation to and from hotel for any passenger affected by an overnight delay
Southwest Airlines does not commit to
- Rebook on partner airline or another airline with which it has an agreement at no additional cost for significant delays
- Cash compensation when a delay results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more from the scheduled departure time
- Credit/travel voucher when delay results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more from the scheduled departure time
- Frequent flyer miles when delay results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more from the scheduled departure time
How do I apply for compensation for a flight delay with Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines doesn’t offer cash compensation for a delayed flight.