What happens if a flight is cancelled and you're traveling with a kid?
We're flying from Chicago (with connecting flights) to Dallas right after Christmas (26th). Weather's been bad lately and flight cancellations/delays aren't impossible to happen. If this is my case, and the only NEXT AVAILABLE flight they give us is nothing but to stay overnight, Will they pay for our hotel stay?? If its a discount voucher - how much discount would that be? They are not gonna let us sleep in the airport, are they??? I mean, I can tolerate that but my son?? I dont think so. Basically my question is, will they be nicer since I'm traveling with a kid?
Air Travel - 6 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
The general answer is, No they won't.
2 :
For weather-related cancellations, you are totally on your own. Not only would you be stuck overnight but the next available flight may very well be at the end of day 2 or even day 3! Nobody can make you sleep in the airport; you can always go get a hotel room.
3 :
Right now there are many people with kids sleeping in airports cause their flight got canceled due to bad weather. Some of these people with kids have spent 3 nights in the airport. It doesn't make any difference if you have kids with you or not. And they will not pay for a hotel or anything - legally they do not have to - besides that there is nothing empty right now round any of the major airports. You are going to be taking your chances. Good luck to you with this.
4 :
I doubt they will be nicer. If they get caught being nice to you they'd have to be nice to everyone or get screamed at by irate travelers. Also when its weather related flight problems the employees aren't usually even allowed/authorized to hand out vouchers for anything (except occasionally food in extreme circumstances). Airlines aren't responsible for weather related flight disruptions. You will have to sleep in the airport or find your own hotel.
5 :
I was traveling from LA to Vancouver yesterday on the 22nd via Las Vegas. My connecting flight to Vancouver was canceled and they specifically pointed out that they are not responsible for assisting you with anything if the delay is from weather. And what annoys me was that Vancouver airport re-opened a half hour before the rescheduled deaparture time that was posted just before the cancellation. And the nearest hotel with rooms was a $45.00 cab ride away and the next available flight was not until Christmas day. And the 888 number I was given to call, always rang busy. I managed to get a flight back to LA, my Christmas trip ruined and my 90 year old mother spending Christmas Day with my ex. As for having a kid with you, that is not their fault. So while they may show some sympathy, that is all you are going to get. And then you will be in standby hell.
6 :
The airlines are not responsible for acts of god (this includes weather). If your flight is canceled until the next morning due to weather, they will not pay for any lodging/billeting. HOWEVER, many airlines/airports do have arrangements with nearby hotels. Ask if they have a distressed passenger rate at any local hotels; usually this is fairly reasonable (and in most cases, the hotel will have a shuttle to/from the airport).
