What's the airline's responsibility? An airline's
responsibility is to get you to the ticketed destination, but
not necessarily at the scheduled time. With bad weather or mechanical
problems, the airline only promises to try the next available
flight. What can you expect regarding compensation.
Bad Weather:
The airline has no obligation to the passenger.
Mechanical Problems:
Your time and aggravation have no monetary value. The airline
will get you on the next available flight. If the next flight
is not soon enough, ask to be endorsed over to another airline.
Getting Stranded:
If you are stranded at the airport due to a mechanical problem,
your compensation should be a voucher for hotel accommodation
of the airline's choice, a meal voucher, and sometimes one fine-minute
phone call. Some airlines do not volunteer these vouchers; you
may need to remind them. If you choose your own hotel, the airline
will not reimburse you.
Changing Carriers:
If you decide to purchase new tickets on another carrier, don't
expect reimbursement from your original airline.
