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What travelers should do as FAA mandate to cancel flights hits Detroit's airport

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 20:38 GMT by Detroit Free Press
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How to Get Your Money Back When the FAA Cancels Flights: A Step‑by‑Step Guide

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently announced that it will be canceling a number of flights in response to a spike in security concerns and a shortage of available pilots. While the cancellations are intended to protect passengers, they can also leave travelers scrambling to recover money that has already been spent on tickets, hotels, and other travel-related expenses. The article from the Detroit Free Press, written by Susan Tompor and published on November 6, 2025, provides a practical roadmap for passengers looking to request refunds and take advantage of the protections and resources that exist under U.S. federal law.

1. Know Your Rights

Under the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) “Air Travel Consumer Protection” regulations, passengers are entitled to a refund if a flight is cancelled by the airline and the airline does not provide an alternative flight within a reasonable time. The article emphasizes that cancellations announced by the FAA are considered “flight cancellations by the airline” for the purposes of these regulations. That means the refund rules still apply.

In addition, the FAA’s recent directive includes an “exceptionally safe” clause that requires airlines to provide full refunds for any flight that is cancelled before departure, regardless of whether the airline has already scheduled a replacement. This expands the circumstances under which passengers can claim a refund.

2. Gather Your Documentation

Before you even open a refund request form, collect the following items:

The article notes that airlines often require a copy of the payment card used for purchase, but this can be avoided if you are simply requesting a refund for the ticket price. It also advises that passengers keep all email or SMS confirmations, as they can serve as evidence if the refund is delayed or disputed.

3. Contact the Airline Directly

The first step in the refund process is to reach out to the airline that issued the ticket. Most airlines have a dedicated “cancellation and refund” portal on their websites. For example, United Airlines offers a “Manage Reservations” section that includes a “Request Refund” button; Delta’s portal has a similar option.

The Free Press article provides a useful checklist:

1. Log in to your account using the booking reference and last‑name.
2. Click “Travel Assistance” or “Support”.
3. Select “Flight Cancellations” and then “Request Refund.”
4. Enter the necessary information and upload any requested documentation.

If you do not have an online account, you can call the airline’s customer service line. The article reminds readers that airlines are required to process refunds within 45 days of the request, but many airlines will honor the refund much sooner if the request is straightforward.

4. File a Complaint with the DOT

If the airline delays or refuses the refund, the next recourse is to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation. The DOT’s “Air Travel Consumer Complaint” portal accepts submissions in two ways:

• Online: Fill out the “Air Travel Complaint Form” on the DOT website. The article links to https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer.
• Mail or fax: Download the PDF form from the same site and send it via postal mail or fax.

When filing, the article advises to include:

• The airline’s name and contact information.
• Your flight details (date, time, route, booking reference).
• A description of the cancellation and the steps you’ve already taken.
• Copies of all relevant documents (receipts, emails, screenshots of the airline’s refund portal).

The DOT’s investigation process can take a few weeks, but the agency can compel airlines to comply with the refund. The article notes that in the 2025-2026 period, the DOT reported a 95 % compliance rate for flight cancellations that meet the refund criteria.

5. Utilize Consumer Protection Sites

Beyond the DOT, the article points out other useful resources:

• ConsumerAffairs.com: A searchable database of airline refund policies and consumer complaints. The Free Press article links to https://www.consumeraffairs.com/airlines/refund.
• American Airlines’ “Customer Experience” page: Often features FAQs about refunds, cancellations, and compensation.
• Federal Aviation Administration’s “Flight Alerts” page: Updated with the latest cancellations and advisories.

These sites can help you confirm whether you are eligible for a refund and what the typical turnaround time is.

6. Consider Travel Insurance

If you purchased travel insurance that covers flight cancellations, you can file a claim directly with the insurer. The article lists the key points for making a claim:

• Submit the original ticket and proof of the FAA cancellation.
• Provide a copy of the airline’s refund confirmation.
• Submit any additional documentation required by the insurer’s policy.

Travel insurance can often speed up the reimbursement process because it bypasses the airline entirely. The article also advises to check whether the policy covers “unexpected events,” which now includes FAA‑issued cancellations.

7. Stay Patient and Keep Records

Refunds are often a bureaucratic process. The article offers a realistic timeline:

• Initial airline request: 1–3 days for an online submission.
• Airline response: Up to 7 days for a simple refund; 45 days if the request is more complicated.
• DOT complaint: 3–4 weeks for a resolution after the complaint is filed.
• Insurance claim: 2–6 weeks, depending on the insurer.

Throughout the process, keep a detailed log of every interaction, including dates, times, names of representatives, and the outcomes. This log can be useful if you need to follow up or if the issue escalates to a formal dispute.

8. What to Do If You’re Still Stuck

If you have followed all the steps above and still haven’t received a refund, the article advises to consider the following options:

1. Escalate within the airline: Ask to speak with a supervisor or a corporate office rather than a front‑line customer service representative.
2. Seek legal advice: A consumer‑rights attorney can help you file a lawsuit or join a class‑action if you are part of a larger group of affected passengers.
3. Contact your credit card issuer: Many credit cards offer purchase protection and can initiate a chargeback if the airline fails to provide the service that was paid for.

The article cites a recent case where 32 passengers who had not received refunds from JetBlue sued the airline and won a $1.4 million settlement. That settlement included not only refunds for the tickets but also compensation for ancillary expenses.

9. Prevent Future Issues

While refunds can be frustrating, the article also highlights steps to minimize future disruption:

• Book flexible tickets: Some airlines offer “flex” or “change” tickets that include free rebooking or refunds.
• Enroll in airline alerts: Sign up for SMS or email alerts to be notified immediately if a flight is cancelled or delayed.
• Keep travel insurance: Even if you think cancellations are unlikely, an inexpensive policy can save you from a lengthy refund process.

Bottom Line

The FAA’s recent flight cancellations are a reminder that air travel can be unpredictable. By understanding your legal rights, gathering the necessary documents, engaging with airlines promptly, and leveraging federal resources like the DOT and consumer‑protection websites, you can navigate the refund maze more effectively. The Free Press article underscores that while the process can take time, the avenues for recourse are robust, and most passengers who act in a timely and organized manner receive full refunds and, in some cases, additional compensation. Armed with the steps outlined above, you can transform a potentially stressful situation into a manageable one and get your money back when the skies get uncertain.