Peter Greenberg: Airline Refunds

By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org | 2008-04-11

I flew Iberian Airlines from Miami to Madrid. Upon landing, we were notified that our flight to Tel-Aviv was canceled. This resulted in them putting us in a hotel, as we were told that we had standby seats in business class for the first morning flight. Fortunately we got on that flight in business class. But we missed a welcoming cocktail hour, dinner, and a night at a lovely hotel in Jerusalem. We did get there in time for breakfast and the bus tour that we purchased. What should I do? Am I entitled to a prorated tour-expense refund for the missing party, dinner, and night at the Jerusalem hotel, estimated to be about $150?
-Jack, Weston, Fla.

In this particular circumstance, Jack, unless I'm missing something, it does not appear that you are entitled to any sort of refund or compensation beyond what has been given to you already.

From your e-mail, it seems that when your flight was canceled, the airline put you up in a hotel and then got you onto one of the next available flights in the class that you purchased. If they had not done this, then you would have a rather significant complaint. The delay is unfortunate, but in most cases, airlines are not required to offer compensation for lost time, productivity, or vacation days. Had you purchased trip cancellation and interruption insurance, your compensation amount would likely have been greater under the terms of your policy.