You might be able to get a refund for that flight you canceled after all
It's no secret that travelers have been canceling their trips in droves because of the coronavirus outbreak. For airline passengers, proactively canceling flights likely meant a voucher for future travel — but no refund.
While flyers are entitled to refunds if the airline canceled their flights, no such protections apply to cancellations made by the passenger. Now, however, a group of Democratic senators wants to change that.
A bill introduced by Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) Wednesday would require airlines to provide cash refunds to all passengers during the COVID-19 pandemic — even those whose flights are still operating as scheduled — if the passenger has simply chosen not to travel.
"Deciding not to fly is the right choice for public health. Yet, when travelers proactively cancel their tickets, the airline industry only provides vouchers, not cash," the senators said in a press release announcing the legislation.
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The bill comes on the heels of the U.S. Department of Transportation reminding airlines that they are required to provide refunds to customers when the carrier cancels a flight. However, as airlines face a historic drop in demand, they have been hesitant to provide cash refunds to passengers who voluntarily choose not to travel. Airlines have said providing refunds to all passengers could quickly lead to bankruptcy.
But Markey — whose legislation is co-sponsored by Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) — said airlines have a "moral obligation" to provide refunds to all passengers in these strange times.
More: Airlines were hesitant to give refunds. Now they’re getting sued.
“Americans need cash in their pockets to pay for food, housing, and prescriptions, not temporary credits toward future travel,” Markey said in a statement. “In light of this pressing need, and an unprecedented multi-billion dollar bailout, it’s absolutely unconscionable that the airlines won’t give consumers their money back."
If passed into law, the bill would require airlines and travel agents to provide cash refunds to passengers who choose not to travel during the pandemic. It would also compel those companies to notify travelers that they are entitled to a refund, even when vouchers are being offered. Many of the senators who co-signed the legislation had previously written to the major U.S. airline CEOs to demand they provide refunds to passengers voluntarily.
To cover the costs, Markey said airlines would be able to use government bailout money to pay for the refunds, so long as the funds weren't specifically intended to support airline employee payroll. The legislation would retroactively apply to all tickets for travel on flights on or after March 1, meaning that even passengers who have already received a voucher would be allowed to convert that to a cash refund.
Related: 2 U.S. airlines are defying refund rules for canceled flights — here’s how to get yours anyway.
The regulations would remain in effect for 180 days after the national emergency declarations related to the pandemic were rescinded.
“We believe we have a tidal wave of outrage that is heading toward the airline industry," Markey said in a virtual press conference on Wednesday. He said his legislation, which he is working to have included in the next round of coronavirus aid, could serve as a breakwater by allowing would-be travelers to recoup their money.
What you should know about flight cancellations and refunds
TPG has extensive coverage about receiving flight cancellations during the coronavirus pandemic. Whether you're simply looking to understand your rights or seeking out more advanced advice, check out our archive of stories on the subject for more information.
- Didn’t get a refund for a canceled flight? Here’s why you should call back now
- You are entitled to a refund for your canceled flight — even if the airline says you aren’t
- How to refund a nonrefundable airline ticket
- United and Hawaiian are defying refund rules for canceled flights — here’s how to get yours anyway
- Expecting a refund for a canceled flight? Here’s how long it could take
- Why you should wait until the last minute to get a refund for your flight
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.