Illinois · Flight Delay Refund Rights · 2024 DOT Rule
Illinois Flight Delay Refund Rights Under the 2024 DOT Rule
Illinois travelers, particularly those flying through O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW), face frequent delays and cancellations. The DOT's 2024 automatic refund rule (14 C.F.R. Part 260) now requires airlines to issue automatic cash refunds, not vouchers, for cancellations and delays of 3+ hours (domestic) or 6+ hours (international). Illinois's Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act (815 ILCS 505) provides an additional remedy for deceptive airline refund conduct.
O'Hare International is one of the most delay-prone airports in the US, and Chicago is a major hub for United and American, making the 2024 DOT automatic refund rule especially valuable for Illinois travelers.
Governing law
DOT 14 C.F.R. Part 260 (2024) + Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act (815 ILCS 505)
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Illinois Flight Refund FAQs
Is O'Hare covered under the 2024 DOT refund rule?▾
Yes. All US commercial airports are covered. Every flight departing or arriving at ORD or MDW that is cancelled or significantly delayed triggers automatic refund rights under 14 C.F.R. Part 260.
What's covered in a 'significant delay' at O'Hare?▾
A domestic departure or arrival delayed by 3 or more hours. An international delay of 6 or more hours. A departure from a different airport than booked, or arrival at a different airport. A downgrade in cabin class. Addition of one or more stops not in the original itinerary.
How effective is a demand letter for airline refunds?▾
Highly effective. Airlines have refund processing teams that respond to formal written demands citing 14 C.F.R. Part 260 and documenting the delay. A demand letter also creates a paper trail required before filing a DOT complaint or small claims court action. Illinois small claims court handles up to $10,000.
kweldoc is a document drafting tool, not a law firm. Verify current DOT rules at airconsumer.dot.gov.