What to do if your US flight is cancelled

Thanks Frank II. Hopefully I never need the info but I bookmarked it just in case.

*But if your flight is cancelled, most airlines will rebook you for free on the next available flight as long as it has seats, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
If you want to cancel the trip, you are entitled to a full refund, even if you bought non-refundable tickets. You’re also entitled to a refund of any bag fees, seat upgrades or other extras.*

They are talking about flights cancelled due weather in the article and yet the DOT says the above! I didn't think this was true if the cancellation was due to something beyond the airlines control.

Yes,, it's true and also for significant delays. DOT website
https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/refunds

Cancelled Flight – A consumer is entitled to a refund if the airline cancelled a flight, regardless of the reason, and the consumer chooses not to travel.

Schedule Change/Significant Delay - A consumer is entitled to a refund if the airline made a significant schedule change and/or significantly delays a flight and the consumer chooses not to travel.

Doesn't have to be a US carrier, but is a condition of other airlines if they operate out of the US.

One of the reasons I still buy non-refundable tickets. I figure at some point the airline will make a significant change which allows me to get a refund if I choose not to travel. I tend to buy cheap tickets way in advance.

Fly private, like the CEO of United.

Check this out as well, learned about this on Insta. Shows, by airline, all that you're entitled to if there are cancellations:

https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/airline-customer-service-dashboard

I saw after posting that this is mentioned in the original article, but it's a bit buried.

cala, so does the director of the DoT

cala, lol. Nice.

A "let them eat cake" moment.

They are talking about flights cancelled due weather in the article and yet the DOT says the above! I didn't think this was true if the cancellation was due to something beyond the airlines control

In all cases, the airline is still obligated to get you there, they just are not responsible for things like lodging, meals, or other compensation until they can get you on a plane. They also are not obligated to give you a cash refund in most cases, but a voucher..k

No, if an airline cancels a flight for any reason, you can get a cash refund if you insist. They won't want to give it to you, but they must if you insist.