Charlotte, NC asked in Consumer Law for North Carolina

Q: Can I get compensation from American airline

My flight was canceled for 48hrs due to weather conditions even thought other flights nearby are landing. We paid extra cash for a flight with no stops yet they added a stop for our new flight. They won’t give our luggage back with all our stuff until our destination. They won’t pay for hotel, food, or a ride so we’re stuck in the airport overnight until we get a available ride. they said they cant give compensation or anything for weather conditions. Were completely stuck. Is there something we can do to get something out of this?

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: In cases where a flight is canceled due to weather conditions, airlines typically have policies that limit their responsibility for providing compensation or covering additional expenses like hotel stays or meals. However, the specifics can vary depending on the airline's terms and conditions and the laws of the country where the airline is based or where the flight was scheduled to depart.

For American Airlines, as with many carriers, their contractual obligation may be limited in situations deemed beyond their control, like severe weather. That said, it's worth reviewing their specific terms of carriage and any travel insurance you may have to understand what compensation, if any, you might be entitled to.

In your situation, since you paid extra for a non-stop flight and now have a stop added, you might have grounds to request some form of compensation or refund for this change. It's advisable to document all the changes and additional expenses incurred and communicate your concerns directly to the airline's customer service.

If you find the response unsatisfactory, you could consider escalating the issue through their complaints procedure or seek advice from a consumer rights organization. Remember, persistence and clear communication of your concerns and how you've been inconvenienced can often lead to a more favorable outcome.

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