Airline Refund & Compensation
Demand Letter
Airlines owe automatic cash refunds for 3+ hour delays and cancellations under DOT's 2024 rule. EU flights get €250-€600 per passenger on top of that. Generate your demand letter in minutes.
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How it works
Check if your flight qualifies
3+ hour delay or cancellation on a domestic US flight, or any EU/UK-covered route. You likely have a claim.
Generate your demand letter
We cite the correct regulation automatically: DOT's 2024 Final Rule for domestic, EU Regulation 261/2004 for EU/UK flights.
Send to airline customer relations
Email the letter to the airline's customer relations team and send a certified mail backup for a paper trail.
Escalate if no response in 14 days
File a DOT complaint at airconsumer.dot.gov, initiate a credit card chargeback, or contact the EU National Enforcement Body for EU routes.
What your letter covers
DOT Final Rule citation (Docket DOT-OST-2022-0089, effective Oct 28, 2024) for domestic refunds
EU Regulation 261/2004 cash compensation claim for EU/UK-covered flights
Correct response to weather or ATC excuses, weather doesn't waive DOT refund rights
Specific refund deadlines: 7 business days (credit card), 20 days (other payment)
Escalation path: DOT complaint portal, chargeback, EU NEB, and small claims court
All major US carriers and international airlines covered
Frequently asked questions
Do US airlines have to pay cash for delays?
For significant delays (3+ hrs) and cancellations, yes, DOT's 2024 rule requires cash refunds, not vouchers. However, this is a refund of your ticket price, not additional 'delay compensation.' EU261 provides additional cash for EU flights.
What if the airline blames weather?
For DOT domestic refunds, weather does NOT exempt the airline. You're owed your money back regardless. For EU261 cash compensation (not refund), weather may qualify as 'extraordinary circumstances' reducing the payout.
What does "significant change" mean?
DOT defines it as 3+ hours late arrival for domestic, 6+ for international, or other material itinerary changes like airport or connection changes.
How long does the airline have to respond?
DOT rules require refunds within 7 business days (credit card) or 20 days (other forms of payment).
kweldoc documents are drafting tools, not legal advice. Review your letter before sending. Consult a consumer rights attorney for high-value claims. kweldoc is not a law firm.