Airlines Are Breaking Federal Law By Refusing to Issue Refunds for Cancelled Flights

Airlines are denying their customers refunds on cancelled flights, ignoring a government regulation that requires reimbursement.

Laws in the United States and Europe require airlines to issue refunds on cancelled flights, but during the wake of the coronavirus pandemic many airline companies have ignored this, which is hurting their customers. Instead of seeking government assistance, they’re putting airline ticket buyers in harm’s way. Several class action lawsuits have already been issued, according to a CBC article. Thousands of customers have complained, saying there has been a complete lack of communication from airline companies and hard-to-navigate cancellation forms.

Amongst a dramatically rising number of complaints, the U.S. Department of Transportation released a statement saying that they must issue refunds immediately.

"The obligation of airlines to provide refunds, including the ticket price and any optional fee charged for services a passenger is unable to use, does not cease when the flight disruptions are outside of the carrier's control," the department said.

It’s important to note, however, that customers who cancel their flights before the airline cancels them are not obligated to a refund.

“If your flight is cancelled and you choose to cancel your trip as a result, you are entitled to a refund for the unused transportation – even for non-refundable tickets. You are also entitled to a refund for any bag fee that you paid, and any extras you may have purchased, such as a seat assignment,” the U.S. Department of Transportation says on their website.

Poynter Law Group believes that airline companies are in the wrong, and is dedicated to fighting for the loyal consumers who have been affected. If you have yet to receive reimbursement for a flight that your airline cancelled, you can contact our class action law firm by email at scott@poynterlawgroup.com or by phone at (501) 812-3943. Your initial consultation is free.

Poynter Law Group is an Arkansas class action law firm dedicated to assisting clients in their legal matters. We are an experienced team of litigators with over 20 years of experience serving clients in Arkansas and other states across the country. If you are looking for the best litigators in Arkansas or if you’re searching “class action lawyers near me”, we’d love to get in touch and set up a free initial consultation.