Today, while the rule is still floating around, “legacy” airlines like United, Delta and Continental have modified it, and other carriers established after 1978 like Jet Blue, Spirit and Southwest don’t follow the traditional rule at all. For your protection, scour each airline’s contract and do a search for “240” or “Refunds” to see what, if any, rules still apply. If it exists, print out a copy and carry it with you to the airport, just in case.
As for hotel and food refunds for an overnight delay, this varies from airline to airline. Some Rule 240 followers may or may not grant meal vouchers and hotel accommodations. But don’t fret – your credit card or pre-existing travel insurance may already have you covered.
SAFETY FIRST
For what it’s worth, realize that when a flight’s delayed or cancelled, it stinks for everyone, including the pilots. “When there is a delay because of weather, we don't know much more than passengers. Air Traffic Control and our company will give us an update time, but other than that we sit and wait,” says an anonymous Delta pilot (and old high school friend). He offered me an encouraging reminder. “Cancellations and delays are because safety is the number one, hands-down priority," be they due to weather, traffic congestion or maintenance problems. “Flying through a thunderstorm is something no one wants to do,” he adds. After all, getting to your destination is important. Getting there alive is essential.
Catch more of Farnoosh’s advice on Real Simple. Real Life. on TLC, Friday nights at 8 p.m.
