Airline trouble? Save these records before you file a claim
An attorney says written documentation and credit card chargebacks may help if flights are canceled, delayed or disrupted
(InvestigateTV) — Cancellations, delays and the Spirit Airlines fallout earlier this year is reminder for flyers to know their legal rights, especially as summer travel picks up.
Attorney Wayne Hassay, managing partner at McGuire, Schneider, Hassay, said knowing your rights ahead of time, then knowing how to enforce them is key.
Hassay said travelers should save emails, receipts, booking details and any written communication with the airline.
“We’re going to tell you to save everything, and everything should be in writing because separate and apart from maybe the rare situation of an airline winding down in bankruptcy, there are going to be rights under the U.S. Department of Transportation rules and regulations about potential refunds for meals or hotel rooms or other costs in addition to refunds for tickets and such,” Hassay said.
If you are dealing with a cancellation, delay or other travel problem, Hassay said those records can matter when you file a claim with the airline or your credit card company.
For Spirit Airlines travelers with flight credits, vouchers or miles, Hassay said the process will likely play out in bankruptcy court. But he said the recovery path is rarely straightforward.
“My prediction is if I can be so bold, you’re going to end up with pennies on the dollar. And maybe sometimes in bankruptcy court, these claimants end up with nothing,” Hassay said.
For travelers who paid by credit card, Hassay said the chargeback process can be another tool, but the timeline matters.
“I’ll tell you that credit card deadline is generally considered to be 60 days, but don’t depend on that. The way you need to approach it is your deadlines were yesterday. You need to be on top of it,” Hassay said.
Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, if you paid by credit card and did not receive a service, you may be able to dispute the charge through your card issuer.
Hassay said the key is not to wait: save your records, contact the airline and check your card issuer’s deadlines.
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