travel insurance flight delay

Trip Delay Benefits

What is trip delay.

Whether you are on your way to or from your destination, AXA Travel Protection can reimburse you for covered trip delay expenses based on one of our offered plans. This coverage is applicable if you experience a delay due to inclement weather, traffic accidents, stolen identification documents, strikes, and many other reasons. 

Do I Need Trip Delay Coverage?

Whether you need trip delay coverage or not depends on your circumstances. Trip Delay is a wise decision because it offers coverage if a delay occurs during your travels.

Understanding Covered Trip Delay Expenses 

Our plans encompass various expenses you might incur due to a trip delay: 

Unused Accommodations : We can cover the costs if you have prepaid for accommodations you cannot use due to the delay. 

Reasonable Expenses : We understand that delays can lead to unexpected costs. We may cover any reasonable expenses you incur due to the delay, such as meals, local transportation, lodging, and essential phone calls. 

Getting Back on Track : We will help you catch up with your trip by covering the cost of an Economy Fare from the point where your trip was interrupted to a destination where you can rejoin your planned journey. 

Return Journey :  If your delay results in you needing to return to your originally scheduled return destination, we can cover the cost of a one-way Economy Fare. 

Special Provision for Pets -  (Exclusive to Platinum Protection Plan) 

We care about your furry companions, too. If you have entrusted your pet to a kennel during your trip and your delay prevents you from picking them up on the previously agreed day, we will step in. 

AXA Travel Protection will cover additional kennel fees up to the maximum benefit shown on your schedule of benefits section in your AXA Travel Protection plan. 

What warrants a Trip Delay?

If you are en route to or from the trip and it becomes delayed for twelve (12) or more hours due to: •    Common carrier delay •    Severe weather •    Traffic delay due to an accident in which you are not involved •    Lost or stolen passports, travel documents, money •    Quarantine •    Hijacking •    Unannounced strike  •    Natural disaster  •    Civil commotion or riot •    Road closure by state police, state officials, or other government authority

Is Trip Delay coverage necessary?

Are you worried about unexpected trip delays ruining your travel plans? With our Trip Delay coverage, you can rest easy knowing you're protected against delays caused by unforeseeable events like inclement weather, stolen travel documents, or strikes. This coverage can reimburse you for additional expenses like accommodations, meals, and transportation so you can focus on enjoying your trip instead of worrying about the unexpected.  

Why choose AXA Travel Protection?

With a presence in over 30 countries worldwide, AXA provides assistance with a wide range of features that include:  •    Extensive knowledge of local health risks and medical facilities to respond swiftly in the event of a medical emergency •    24/7 global team of travel experts that offers assistance and assurance while traveling We understand that the needs of every traveler are unique, which is why our travel plans allow customers to choose their coverage based on their specific needs. Having your travel insured by an industry leader like AXA means having greater peace of mind.

How to get a Travel Protection Quote

Disclaimer: It is important to note that the specifics of trip delay will depend on the date of purchase and state of residency. Customers are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy and to contact AXA Partners with any questions or concerns they may have .

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Flight Insurance That Protects Against Delays and Cancellations

From the beginning of commercial flight, travel insurance has been available to protect passengers from frequent associated foibles, such as re-booking delays, cancellations, or even missed connections.

Experienced travelers have a variety of favorite strategies for dealing with these situations. Frequent fliers usually consult the people who work in their airline mileage clubs at the airport—people who are known to pull some strings to help preferred travelers. Others have the common sense to jump immediately into lines at the terminal for re-booking, knowing people toward the end of those lines are far more likely to wind up stranded or disappointed. As the airline industry avoids empty seats at all costs, spare seats are becoming a scarce commodity.

Travel insurance softens the blow, picking up the costs of meals, hotels, and perhaps new flights when the airlines claim an act of God is responsible for the delay or cancellation. Most budget travelers are well aware of this reality.

But you might not be aware that protection covering the cost of a new flight is now as close as your smartphone, and coverage isn't particularly expensive.

A Flight Insurance Option From Your Smartphone

A service called  Freebird​  offers flight insurance against delays and cancellations, as well as missed connections. Delays qualify after at least four hours have passed from the original departure time.

Here's how this first-of-its kind service works: you buy the insurance for your flight (at a cost of $19 one-way or $34 round-trip) after purchasing the ticket. The purchase can be done online or through a travel agent .

You will not need to download an app to your smartphone. Freebird uses text messaging and a mobile-friendly website to notify you of the cancellation or delay, and then immediately offers an online choice of alternative flights (either on the original airline or another carrier). You simply tap the option that best matches your travel needs.

You'll need to check-in and make baggage arrangements. You keep your old ticket, and Freebird buys the replacement ticket for you. Such a case will save you from spending hold time on a slow-responding customer service phone line or from standing in a line of stranded passengers in the terminal. 

Freebird, started in 2015, quickly drew attention from Travel+Leisure , Bloomberg Business  and JohnnyJet.com .

It's possible to find flight insurance cheaper than the current rates on Freebird. In fact, rate hikes for the service could come at any time.

The key difference is that with traditional travel insurance, you'll make the arrangements yourself and become reimbursed at a later date for your expenses. Freebird rebooks your flight at no charge, and requires no paperwork. It helps you avoid an unexpected overnight stay or sleeping in the airport .

That's good news for travelers who aren't good at keeping receipts or grow frustrated waiting for that reimbursement to arrive.

Some possible Freebird hazards to keep in mind:

• Freebird must be purchased at least two days prior to departure, and you'll need a smartphone with access to SMS text messages and the Internet in order to make it work for you.
• The service is not available for international flights, so it is limited only to U.S. domestic arrivals and departures.
• One other warning: Freebird pays only for your ticket. If the new airline has baggage fees, or charges for routine services such as the printing boarding passes, those new expenses are your responsibility. If you have an option of selecting a new carrier for your replacement flight, keep these issues in mind. 

Other Insurance Options that Cover Delays and Cancellations

Trip cancellation insurance protects you against the larger evil, such as missing an overseas cruise departure. There is a similar policy for interruptions and some use very similar wording.

Travel is an unpredictable activity, a fact that adds pleasure for many of us. But factors beyond our knowledge and control can influence travel plans that are already purchased (and frequently non-refundable).

If you lose your money on an interrupted or canceled trip, do you have the resources to pay for the entire trip again? If not, it's best to get some protection.

Companies such as Travel Guard and Allianz  that offer this insurance will provide a card that slips into a wallet or a contact that slips into your smartphone address book. You can call this help line and inform them of your situation. Most times, they will provide advice about what to do next and documentation you should collect to support a claim.

Unlike Freebird, many of these insurance options are not fully integrated with the Internet or smartphone technologies, Expect that to change in years ahead.

Job One: Determine the Risk

Mark D. Kahler

As a budget traveler, you want to avoid any unnecessary expense.

So don't buy flight insurance for a route or airport not associated with delays or cancellations.

As a general rule, smaller airports and fair weather tend to promote on-time performance. It's a rule that's violated every day, but the odds are with the passenger in these settings.

For people traveling in seasons of perilous weather, at peak flight times, or from airports that are congested, the act of paying out a few dollars to protect yourself can make good budget travel sense.

But before you purchase such insurance, check out the on-time performance records for your flights, as well as for the airports. 

Another assessment: how important is it that you arrive on time?

No one wants to spend hours in a crowded airport terminal. But it's important to ask yourself a few questions before incurring added expense for insurance.

Are you on the way to something important, such as a wedding, major business meeting, or a non-refundable cruise? Is disrupted timing of your arrival simply a matter of inconvenience?

Answer these questions and weigh your options. Then consider the best options for protecting your trip.

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Your Travel Delay Expenses Can be Reimbursed with Trip Insurance

Travel delays can be an expensive headache and are often due to factors completely out of your control. Trip delays are usually a side-effect of potentially trip-wrecking events, like a canceled flight or ending up in the hospital, scenarios that could result in extra hotel costs, unexpected transportation costs and more. That’s why our travel protection plans are designed to include Travel Delay coverage.

Generali was selected as  travel protection "Best for Delays"  by Trip Saavy

What is Travel Delay coverage?

Travel Delay coverage can provide reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, such as hotel accommodations, meals and transportation if you are delayed during your trip. Depending on your travel protection plan, there are requirements that must be met to qualify. For our plans, the delay must be 10 hours or more (Standard), 8 hours or more (Preferred) or 6 hours or more (Premium). Be sure to read your Plan Documents  for details.

Also read:  What to do if Your Flight is Canceled

How does it work?

Once your trip has started, Travel Delay coverage kicks in as soon as you experience a qualifying delay and lasts until travel becomes possible again. When your trip is delayed, you are eligible to seek reimbursement up to the amount specified for your plan for reasonable, additional expenses incurred while you are delayed. 

Learn more about travel insurance: •  What is Travel Insurance? •  How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost? •  Top 5 Reasons to Get Travel Insurance

What does Travel Delay cover?

If your trip is delayed, then you may need to stay in a hotel, receive transportation to and from the airport and buy meals until you’re traveling again. These are some of the most common expenses Travel Delay coverage can reimburse, but it can also do so for phone calls, additional parking charges, and even extra pet kennel fees. 

Our plans include 10 different covered reasons for Travel Delay:

• Delay of a common carrier
• Loss or theft of your passport(s), travel documents, money
• Natural disaster or adverse weather
• Being directly involved in a documented traffic accident while you are en route to departure
• Unannounced strike
• A civil disorder
• Sickness or Injury of you or a traveling companion
• Death of a traveling companion

See more coverage details for travel delay

Why is it valuable for travelers?

Unexpected out-of-pocket costs can add up quickly when you're delayed during a trip.  With Travel Delay coverage, you can submit a claim and get money back for covered expenses. 

When you’re excited about going on a trip, the very last thing you want or expect is an air travel delay to cause you to be stuck in an airport for 12 hours. But if you know that your expenses can be reimbursed, it can help take the edge off. 

Generali's Standard,Preferred,  and Premium Plans include Travel Delay with a coverage limit of $1,000 per person and if you choose the Premium Plan, that daily limit goes up to $300 per person.  Get a quote  to see which plan fits your trip best.

Travel Delay Coverage FAQs

Does trip delay insurance cover delayed flights .

Travel Delay covers delayed flights that are delayed for the time specified for each plan (10 hours for Standard Plan, 8 hours for Preferred Plan, and 6 hours for Premium Plan). When your flight is delayed due to certain reasons beyond your control, such as inclement weather, mechanical issues or airline strikes, Travel Delay coverage can kick in.

How Much Does Trip Delay Insurance Cost?

The travel protection plans offered by Generali Global Assistance include Travel Delay coverage as part of a package plan of travel insurance with assistance services. While travel protection plan costs vary, the average is somewhere between 4-12% of your  total trip cost .*

Compare plans and read reviews to find the coverage that best fits your budget and travel needs.

Trip Interruption Coverage Versus Travel Delay

Trip Interruption and Travel Delay coverages are different components of travel insurance that serve different purposes. Trip Interruption coverage deals with unexpected events that interrupt your trip, forcing you to return home early or rejoin your trip in progress, such as illness, injury, natural disasters or the death of a family member.

Travel Delay coverage may provide coverage when you encounter flight or other travel-related delays. It can help reimburse expenses incurred during the delay, as explained under "reasonable expenses."

How to Make a Claim, and What Information Is Required?

If you experience a flight delay during your trip, you must take a few steps to make a claim under your Travel Delay coverage. Notify your plan provider as soon as possible. They'll guide you through the process. Start your Generali Global Assistance claim at our  eClaims Portal .

When making a claim, you must provide essential details, including proof of the delay, receipts for reasonable expenses and any other relevant documentation.

Travel Resources

A3861707 *Actual travel insurance cost will vary depending on trip details.

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Watch CBS News

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How travel insurance can protect you from flight delays

By Kelly Ernst

Edited By Matt Richardson

April 20, 2023 / 5:10 PM EDT / CBS News

Air travelers hoping things would smooth out once the pandemic receded have been sorely disappointed. The recent Southwest airline delays are just the latest in a string of delays plaguing the industry.

In 2022, Southwest Airlines flights were delayed roughly 26% of the time, according to Statista . American Airlines, Delta and United Airlines weren't much better, with delays ranging from about 16% to about 22%. 

When your flight is delayed, you have enough to worry about. You can avoid adding financial stress to the list by purchasing travel insurance .

Travel insurance covers a range of trip-related issues, from lost luggage to canceled flights. And depending on the insurance provider and plan, you may also be entitled to travel delay coverage, which covers delay-related costs like meals, lodging and toiletries. This type of coverage is especially common with comprehensive travel insurance .

In this article, we'll explore how travel delay coverage could save you money if your flight runs late.

Learn more about travel insurance here .

If you're traveling by air anytime soon, here's how travel insurance could save you money if your flight is delayed.

Nearly one in four flights are delayed

According to Bureau of Transportation Statistics data , 21.66% of flights have been delayed so far in 2023. That's nearly one in four. The BTS classifies a delayed flight as any flight that arrives 15 minutes or more after its scheduled time.

That may not seem like much, but as anyone who's sprinted from one end of an airport to the other to catch a connecting flight can tell you, even a few minutes delay can severely mess up your trip, leading to a logistical nightmare. If your flight is delayed by hours, there's a good chance it will cost you. Travel insurance could save you hundreds (if not thousands ) of dollars in these cases.

Compare travel insurance options now to see how much coverage you could get.

Airline compensation policies may not cover you

Some airlines may reimburse you for expenses incurred due to delay, but not all do. There is no law requiring airlines to compensate passengers whose flights are delayed. And even those that provide compensation may exclude delays caused by things they consider outside their control, such as weather or mechanical issues.

"People are accustomed to not getting travel insurance because historically they haven't needed it," travel agent and full-time traveler Veronica Hanson previously told  CBS News . "Their own experiences have taught them over the years that insurance is a waste of money. If something went wrong, companies usually stepped up and made it right for the customer. These days are a whole different story. Infrequent travelers might not realize the chaos of the airline industry these days."

A delay can ruin the rest of your travel plans

A flight delay can quickly affect the rest of your itinerary. 

"There is no guarantee that a confirmed seat on a plane will actually get you to your intended destination," Hanson said. "A leg of your journey mid-trip can be canceled without notice, which causes a ripple effect. Hotels are sticking to their cancellation policies, meaning travelers are paying for rooms they aren't able to get to because of delays or cancellations."

With travel delay insurance, you can at least minimize your losses if a delay wrecks your plans.

Ready to buy travel insurance? Start by getting a customized price quote here .

The bottom line

Flight delays lead to a whole host of headaches, from the logistics of rescheduling connecting flights to extra lodging and food expenses. Whether you're flying internationally or domestically , travel insurance could at least help you with the costs if your flight is delayed. With traveling already stressful enough, the peace of mind this brings could be well worth it.

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Are Your Flights Going to Take Off on Time This Summer?

A record number of travelers will head for the skies this summer, while airlines face boeing aircraft delays and lingering pandemic problems. experts predict what this will mean for your summer travel plans..

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As travelers head out for their summer getaways, they should have backup plans in place for if and when flights go awry.

Photo by EviJanku/Shutterstock

A record 4.7 billion people are expected to travel by air this summer and several factors may converge to create chaos at the country’s airports. A recent report from global travel technology company Amadeus found that “flight disruption remains above historical norms,” and the situation isn’t going to get better any time soon. According to the report, the global airline industry is still struggling with the rapid increase in demand for air travel.

“High summer 2024 travel demand , airlines over-scheduling, and staffing shortages at airports and airlines and the TSA,” can all add up to flight delays, says Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of AirHelp , an organization that helps passengers claim compensation for delayed and canceled flights. However, several other factors at play could make the situation even worse. Christina Tunnah, general manager for the Americas at travel insurance provider World Nomads , explains that on top of the other challenges, flight delays and cancellations are increasing because “climate change has resulted in the rise in extreme weather” (which can create a cascade of flight disruptions) and “strikes in some of Europe’s most popular destinations have been a more frequent occurrence.”

Travelers need to be prepared for ‘major travel meltdowns.’

Additionally, “aircraft shortages caused by production issues at Boeing are expected to increase the risk of delays and cancellations as well,” says Daniel Durazo, director of communications at Allianz Partners USA , which sells travel protection.

Travelers are noticing the pinch even before the busy summer travel season begins. According to Jen Moyse, vice president of product at TripIt , a recent survey conducted in March by the travel organization app showed that 48 percent of the 1,800 U.S.-based respondents experienced some sort of flight disruption, such as “having their flight delayed or canceled” in the past six months. This is an 8 percent increase over a similar survey TripIt conducted in 2023, she said.

Airlines and airports are working to minimize disruptions. However, “as the travel industry is still rebounding from the pandemic and now dealing with another major setback due to aircraft being grounded for safety,” travelers need to be prepared for “major travel meltdowns,” Pawliszyn says. After a panel blew off a Boeing 737-9 Max Alaska Airlines plane midflight, safety concerns about Boeing aircraft grounded dozens of planes. As a result of ongoing safety issues, production of some Boeing planes is being delayed. Thus, some airlines have had to scale back the number of flights they can offer this summer and beyond.

Industry experts shared their advice about how travelers can prepare for what could be significant flight disruptions this summer—and how to protect your travel plans when they do.

Get travel insurance

Travel insurance won’t be able to get you to your destination on time, but it can help defray the costs of unexpected delays. If your flight is grounded, extra nights in a hotel, lost deposits on tours, and additional meals can add up quickly. Travel insurance can help, but coverage varies widely between providers and plans. “Some travel insurance policies will cover airline strikes, but won’t cover airline staffing issues,” says World Nomads’ Tunnah. The amount covered varies widely, too. For example, some World Nomads plans will cover up to $2,500 in losses while others cover up to $10,000 in losses.

When it comes to travel insurance, “one size does not fit all,” Moyes of TripIt notes. She recommends choosing a plan carefully to ensure it meets your needs.

Despite the variations, “most travel insurance plans offer protection against flight cancellations, travel delays, and delayed or lost luggage,” Tunnah says. However, if your flight is delayed or canceled, coverage may not kick in automatically. “In all circumstances, the travel insurance provider will require you to seek compensation or a ‘make right’ from the airline first,” she says. That means if an airline offers to cover a hotel room for the night and you turn it down, your insurance plan probably won’t cover the cost of the nicer hotel you prefer.

To get the most out of your travel insurance, document why your flight was canceled or delayed, any compensation the airline offered, and keep your receipts.

How to stay ahead of flight disruptions

The more notice you have about a flight disruption, the more time you will have to adjust your plans. So, you’ll want to stay ahead of the curve and find out about flight disruptions as soon as they are announced. One way to find out about potential delays or cancellations quickly is to download your airline’s app. “We encourage all passengers to download their carrier’s app as soon as they purchase a ticket. U.S. airlines have made significant investments in their mobile apps so they can relay any flight updates such as boarding times, gate numbers, and any other important announcements,” Airlines for America , an organization that represents all of the major U.S. carriers, tells Afar.

You should also download the flight tracking app FlightAware , which can tip travelers off to upcoming changes even before the airline does. For instance, if you see that your flight keeps getting bumped back, you can check FlightAware to find out where your plane actually is. If it seems to be stuck at the previous departure airport, you may want to start looking into alternative flight options as a backup.

How to plan for the unexpected

Given the high potential for flight disruptions this summer, it’s important to be flexible. “Build extra time into your plans to account for potential disruptions if you need to make an event like a wedding or cruise departure” by planning on arriving a day or two early, advises Moyse. She also recommends packing an extra set of clothes, essential items, medications, device batteries and chargers, and additional snacks in your carry-on bags in case you experience delays.

Book strategically

There isn’t a magic formula to ensure your flight won’t be disrupted, but you can plan strategically to increase your chances of getting to your destination on time.

“It’s a great idea to book the first flight of the day, or at least in the morning. This way if your flight is delayed or canceled, you are more likely to be able to rebook the same day. Also, delays are less likely to domino in the morning,” Tunnah says.

Another great way to stack the odds in your favor is to fly nonstop. That way, you only need to worry about one flight being delayed rather than two or more. Getting a nonstop flight “may mean that you have to drive a little further to get to a large airport to avoid a layover” says Tunnah, adding that it could, however, save you time and money in the end.

Although the past does not always predict the future, “you can do a little research on your flight. Go to FlightAware and see how often your particular flight is delayed or canceled,” Tunnah recommends. If your flight has a poor track record of arriving on time, you may want to consider another option.

Know your rights

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently issued new regulations requiring airlines to automatically refund passengers when flights are significantly delayed or canceled. However, because airlines have six months to begin implementing these rules, most passengers won’t be able to get relief under the new rules this summer. (They are slated to go into effect in October 2024, unless the airlines appeal the decision.)

Until airlines are required to implement the new regulations, passengers traveling within the United States have very few concrete rights when it comes to flight disruptions.

“For domestic flights in the U.S., there aren’t any federal requirements so it’s up to the airline as to whether they want to compensate you for a delayed flight,” says Michael Soud , a lawyer specialized in corporate law and cross-border transactions and cofounder of travel blog Travel Insighter . He explained that it’s standard practice for many airlines to rebook passengers or provide hotel rooms and meal vouchers when flights are delayed for several hours or canceled. Some airlines may also give delayed passengers vouchers or miles to use toward future flights.

In fact, the DOT has created an airline customer service dashboard , where you can see what kind of compensation each airline has committed to.

But even though some airlines are willing to provide a lot of support when domestic flights are delayed or canceled, they aren’t legally required to do anything for stranded passengers, Soud says. “The only time the law requires compensation for domestic trips is when you are involuntarily bumped from a flight because an airline has oversold seats,” he says. Which means that the resulting compensation is extremely variable, at least for now.

When it comes to international flights, passengers have more rights, but they may be hard to enforce. Soud notes that the Montreal Convention states that international air travelers have the right to file a claim for reimbursement for a delayed or canceled flight with the airline. However, this isn’t always successful. “If the airline denies your claim, you’ll need to sue them in court to claim reimbursement,” which isn’t worth the hassle for many passengers, he says.

Passengers flying to, from, and within European Union (EU) countries are better protected . “If you’re flying from an EU airport to the U.S. or arriving at an EU airport from the U.S. with an EU-based carrier, you can claim compensation as a U.S. traveler,” Soud explains. Under EC 261/2004 “airlines must compensate you for delays, cancellations, and denied boarding,” he says. The type of compensation depends on how long you are delayed, but Soud notes that fliers’ rights in the EU typically kick in once flights are delayed for two hours or more.

Other countries have also passed laws that grant passengers rights when their flights are disrupted. For example, passengers flying to and from the United Kingdom have rights that are almost identical to those in the EU, according to Soud. If an international flight is delayed or canceled, it’s worth checking the laws of the countries you are flying in and out of to see if you are entitled to compensation—these rules typically govern foreign carriers flying within the governing body’s airspace as well.

Pack your patience

While flight disruptions are at the very least frustrating and at the worst can be costly, stressful, and even somewhat traumatic depending on where you are trying to get to and why, Moyse reminds travelers to “keep in mind the travel industry is still experiencing labor shortages and flight crews, hotel staff, travel agents, and other service workers are doing the best they can” and want to help. “Practicing patience and civility can help you, and fellow travelers, make the most of your trip, even if you do encounter disruptions,” she says, adding, “In the end, don’t let disruptions ruin your trip.”

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Table of Contents

What does AmEx trip delay insurance cover?

Which amex cards include trip delay insurance, who is covered by amex trip delay insurance, how to file a claim, trip delay insurance from amex recapped.

American Express only relatively recently added trip delay insurance protection to eligible cards. Before 2020, travelers might have had to make a choice between using a credit card with trip delay protections or an AmEx card that earned more points. But now, the issuer has added trip delay insurance as a benefit to some of its cards, making it a lot easier for travelers to decide to reach for their AmEx card when booking a flight.

However, this protection isn't available on all cards, and it doesn't cover all delays or travelers. Here's what you need to know about AmEx trip delay insurance.

AmEx trip delay insurance reimburses reasonable expenses, such as meals and lodging, incurred when a trip is delayed due to a covered reason. Depending on which AmEx card you carry, the maximum reimbursement is up to $500 per eligible trip and the delay must be at least six or 12 hours.

To qualify, you must use your eligible American Express card to pay for round-trip travel starting from your city of residence. Although AmEx requires "round-trip travel," you may book one-way flights and visit one or more destinations, so long as the trip ends at your home. However, you'll need to charge the entire trip to your eligible card and keep the trip length under 365 days.

Not all delays qualify. AmEx trip delay insurance only kicks in when you're delayed due to one of four reasons:

Inclement weather.

Terrorist action or hijacking.

Equipment failure by the common carrier (e.g. airline or train company).

Lost or stolen passports or travel documents.

AmEx trip delay insurance also doesn't cover delays that are made known before your trip starts — such as a flight schedule change communicated in advance. Also, it won't cover expenses paid before the trip or delays due to intentional acts by the traveler.

» Learn more: The guide to American Express travel insurance

Over 20 AmEx cards offer some form of trip delay insurance protection. The maximum reimbursement amount and minimum delay time vary depending on which AmEx card was used to book the trip.

The following premium AmEx cards offer up to $500 in reimbursement per covered trip and require at least a six-hour delay:

The Platinum Card® from American Express — including Ameriprise Financial, Schwab, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley versions.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express .

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card .

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card .

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card .

Terms apply.

Meanwhile, the following AmEx cards will reimburse up to $300 per covered trip for delays of 12 hours or more:

American Express® Gold Card — including the Rose Gold version.

American Express® Green Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card .

American Express® Business Gold Card .

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card .

If you have multiple AmEx cards, the applicable policy is based on which card was used to purchase the trip.

Say you book a round-trip flight with an American Express® Green Card but also have a Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card . If your trip is delayed, you'll get up to $300 in reimbursements for delays over 12 hours. You won't get better coverage just because you also hold a card with a different policy. Terms apply.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

AmEx trip delay insurance doesn't just cover the cardmember who used an eligible card to pay for the trip. AmEx coverage is extended to the cardmember's spouse or domestic partner, qualifying children and traveling companions.

AmEx defines children as those that are unmarried, dependent and younger than 19 — or under 26 and a full-time student at an accredited college or university.

Interestingly, a "traveling companion" only needs to make advanced arrangements to travel with you (or your eligible family members) on all or part of your eligible trip. That means a travel companion that travels with you on just one flight would be covered if that flight is delayed.

AmEx trip delay coverage is capped per trip — not per eligible traveler or per delay. That means you'll receive a maximum of $500 in reimbursements no matter how many eligible travelers are in your group and no matter how many delays you have on a single trip.

» Learn more: How to choose a travel credit card

When you experience a delay, the most important thing to remember is to document everything. Save all receipts, ask your carrier for a statement with the reason for the delay and keep a copy of your ticket.

Then, you'll need to go through a two-step process to file a claim for reimbursement. First, you must notify the benefit administrator of your claim within 60 days of the trip delay. You can do this by calling 844-933-0648 to begin the claims process.

Next, you'll be asked to provide proof of your loss. The benefit administrator will provide instructions on what's required when you open your claim. You may need to provide documentation like receipts, tickets and the reason for the delay. This proof must generally be filed within 180 days of your delay, although AmEx may provide an extension of up to one year.

» Learn more: How do travel insurance claims work?

AmEx trip delay insurance was only recently added to certain American Express cards. This addition makes these cards more appealing to use when booking travel. Now, cardmembers can use AmEx cards to book travel knowing that they're covered in case there's a delay due to weather, equipment failure or if their travel documents are lost or stolen.

Just keep in mind that you'll need to use an eligible card to book all travel, not all delays are covered and the reimbursements are capped per trip — not per traveler or per delay.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

You'll soon be able to get an automatic refund when your flight is delayed or canceled

• Airlines must start providing passengers with automatic refunds when flights are delayed or canceled.
• New regulations announced Wednesday mean passengers can also get automatic refunds on delayed baggage.
• Previously, airlines set their own policies about when passengers were eligible for refunds.

Airlines are to be required to provide passengers with "prompt" automatic refunds when their flights are delayed or canceled under a new rule from the Department of Transportation, announced on Wednesday .

The regulations, which are being rolled out over the next six to 12 months, also entitle passengers to automatic refunds for delays to checked bags and for airlines' failure to provide paid-for extra services.

Under the DOT regulations, passengers can get a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed and they don't accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. This includes domestic flights delayed by more than three hours and international flights delayed by more than six hours.

Significant changes that make passengers eligible for a refund include a change in the departure or arrival airport, an increase in the number of connections, and being downgraded to a lower traveling class. Passengers can also get a refund if they're switched to connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible for a person with a disability.

Previously, airlines set their own standards for which circumstances passengers could get a refund in, which could make it confusing for passengers trying to figure out whether they were eligible for a refund and how to apply, the DOT said in a press release.

It added that some airlines gave passengers a travel credit or voucher by default, meaning they couldn't use their refund to rebook on another airline "without navigating a cumbersome request process."

Related stories

Passengers are also entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if their bag is delayed and they file a mishandled baggage report. The DOT says that the policy covers bags that aren't delivered within 12 hours of a domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15 to 30 hours for an international flight, depending on the length of the flight.

And if passengers pay extra for a service such as WiFi, seat selection, or in-flight entertainment and then don't receive this, they're entitled to a refund for the fee they paid.

"The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased," the DOT said in a press release.

As well as being automatic, the refunds must be "prompt," which it describes as within seven business days for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.

The refunds must be in whatever payment method the passenger originally used, whether cash, credit card, or airline miles, rather than substituting vouchers or travel credits unless the passenger accepts alternative compensation.  

The DOT also noted that airlines must provide a full refund, including all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees.

Many passengers have previously spoken to Business Insider about their troubles getting compensation for delayed and canceled flights and lost luggage. In 2020, when flights were canceled due to waves of COVID lockdowns, the DOT got more than 102,000 complaints from airline customers in total. Nearly 90,000 were related to refunds.

Travel chaos spiked in the summer of 2022 as vacationers returned to the skies after the pandemic canceled their plans during the two prior years. Summer travel this year is also expected to be significantly disrupted, with Boeing delaying some plane deliveries .

Watch: Thousands of bags pile up at US airports after flight cancellations

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Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Travel Insurance – 10 Frequently Asked Questions [2024]

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Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Overview

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The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card remains one of the most popular travel rewards credit cards for numerous reasons. Alongside excellent earning rates and a fair amount of benefits that justify the $95 annual fee, the card also offers numerous shopping and travel insurance benefits.

If you’re like most people, you hear the word “insurance,” and your eyelids start feeling heavy. Let’s be honest: Insurance isn’t thrilling. The terminology can feel confusing, leaving you with many questions about what exactly the travel insurance on your Chase Sapphire Preferred card does and doesn’t cover.

You have questions, and we have answers. Here’s a simple look at your most common questions about travel insurance on the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance . With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide
• $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through the Chase Travel portal
• 6 months of complimentary Instacart+ (activate by July 31, 2024), plus up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024
• Excellent travel and car rental insurance
• 10% annual bonus points
• No foreign transaction fees
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt
• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

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• APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Before moving any further, let’s ensure you’re familiar with the long list of travel protections built into the Chase Sapphire Preferred card :

• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Baggage delay insurance
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Travel accident insurance
• Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance
• Trip delay reimbursement

You’ll also enjoy several other cardholder benefits and protections beyond travel insurance :

• Extended warranty protection
• No foreign transaction fees
• Purchase protection
• Roadside dispatch
• Travel and emergency assistance

Some of the benefits seem more obvious than others. And, as with all insurance, there are always specific terms to understand, exclusions to mind, and coverage limits . Let’s clear some of those up.

1. What Flight Insurance Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Have?

When flying, you’ll have 2 types of insurance: travel accident insurance and trip cancellation and interruption insurance. Both types are in effect for trips for which you paid at least a portion of the cost with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card. Let’s look at each benefit.

Travel accident insurance applies to you and your immediate family members if one of you becomes permanently injured or dies while traveling. The cardholder benefit guide lists specific dollar amounts that you can be paid for specific injury types. The coverage is further divided into 2 categories: traveling on a common carrier and 24-hour coverage .

Coverage related to a common carrier covers both injuries and death resulting from your travel on a licensed air, land, or sea transport that regularly carries paying passengers . Think planes and ferries, for example. You’ll also be covered while at an airport, terminal, or station immediately before or after a trip, including courtesy transport to or from these places if provided as part of your trip. If your flight booking includes the airline picking you up from the hotel, this could be covered if all other conditions are met.

The 24-hour coverage applies around the clock and is valid on trips of up to 30 days. If you take a trip longer than this, coverage will end 1 minute after midnight on the 31st day, though it would come back into effect when you are in transportation to the airport for your flight home. If you drive yourself to the airport, coverage should resume once you are inside the airport .

This benefit reimburses you for the money you lose when a trip paid for (in whole or part) with your card is interrupted or canceled. Trip interruption is when you’ve started the trip and must end it early for a covered reason; trip cancellation applies to canceling a trip before it begins. The maximum benefit payout here is $10,000 per person and up to $20,000 per trip. Both the cardholder and immediate family members are covered.

Trip cancellation coverage begins when you make your first deposit toward the trip and ends when you depart on your scheduled departure date. Trip interruption starts on your scheduled departure date and ends on your scheduled return date. However, if these dates or times are adjusted for reasons beyond your or the carrier’s control, the benefit will adjust automatically .

What expenses are reimbursable? They include nonrefundable, prepaid travel expenses by a licensed supplier, such as a travel agency, hotel, shore excursion agency, etc. When canceling for a covered reason, you’re also covered for redeposit fees to get your airline miles back. Unfortunately, this benefit doesn’t cover lost money you paid for tickets to shows or theme parks, tee times at golf courses, museums, or other entrance fees unless they’re part of a tour package.

You’ll be covered for a few more situations with trip interruption coverage only . These include fees for returning a rental car early or to the nearest facility and up to $250 of expenses to transport you for necessary medical treatment. However, that doesn’t include medical transport (such as ambulances or medevac).

What if you paid with Chase Ultimate Rewards points and are due a refund under these benefits? You’ll be reimbursed according to the value on your travel supplier’s confirmation receipt, assuming that’s listed. If there’s no trip value listed on the receipt after you paid with points, you’ll be reimbursed at a value of 1 cent per point.

Covered Reasons

Not every reason for canceling a trip or ending it early is covered under these benefits. Covered reasons include accidental death or injury, a sickness requiring hospitalization, severe weather, a named storm warning, a change in military orders, a subpoena or call to jury duty, your home being burglarized or becoming uninhabitable, your hotel becoming uninhabitable, a public transportation strike that makes you miss 20% of a trip or a scheduled tour departure, and more. Consult the Chase Sapphire Preferred card benefits guide to see if your specific cancellation or interruption reason is covered.

Trip cancellation insurance doesn’t cover everything. For example, changing your mind about a trip is not covered. If your plans are subject to change, you may want to purchase Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance .

This part is a bit confusing, but yes. Chase’s benefits guide for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card states explicitly that cruise lines aren’t included in the definition of a “common carrier.” However, cruise lines are included in the definition of a “travel supplier.”

Why does this matter? Many of the trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits only apply to travel with a common carrier, which doesn’t include cruise lines. However, some benefits do apply to cruises . These include stolen luggage benefits or even canceling a trip if delays mean you’ll miss at least 20% of the trip or that you’ll miss the departure of your cruise ship.

The travel accident and injury benefits also apply while you’re cruising, but it’s worth noting that returning late to your cruise ship, only to find it’s left for the next island without you, isn’t a covered expense. You’ll be on your own for the costs of catching up to your ship.

There are 2 types of baggage protection here: coverage for delayed bags and coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage. Baggage delay insurance covers up to $100 per day for up to 5 days when your bags are delayed by at least 6 hours, covering each additional 24 hours past that until the maximum of 5 days is reached. This benefit applies to you and your immediate family members when you pay for at least part of your trip with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card. You don’t need to be traveling with your immediate family members for them to be covered , as long as at least part of their trip was paid for with your card, which can be a nice perk if you book travel for relatives.

Coverage begins on the scheduled departure date and ends on the scheduled return date, though coverage adjusts automatically if there are changes outside your or the travel provider’s control. There’s also a list of non-covered items, such as medical devices, losses due to war/conflict, electronics, and cash equivalents. In case of baggage delay, you must report it to the travel provid er as soon as possible and keep receipts for necessary expenses you incur ; you’ll submit these for reimbursement afterward.

Lost luggage reimbursement is different; it covers lost, stolen, or damaged luggage during your trip. Both checked and carry-on bags are covered up to a maximum of $3,000 per person per trip. However, there’s a limit of $500 for jewelry, watches, and electronics.

There are some specifics to understand about this coverage, however. First, it doesn’t cover items you leave behind by accident . Second, coverage applies to you and immediate family members (even if you aren’t traveling with them) so long as you paid for at least part of the trip with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card. Coverage is available from the scheduled start to the scheduled end of your trip, but it is automatically adjusted if there are uncontrollable delays to either date.

Coverage applies to common carriers and cruise lines, and you must report the loss, theft, or damage within the timeframe specified by your travel provider. Then, the coverage on your Chase Sapphire Preferred card will cover any difference in the value of your monetary loss (after depreciation of the items) and the payment you receive from the travel provider . Thus, this is secondary coverage. It’s worth noting that documents, furs, tickets, and cash-like items aren’t covered.

Accidents can happen on any trip, from accidentally slipping on the wet deck of a cruise ship to spending nights in a hospital at a far-flung destination. Does your health insurance at home cover you when you head to Florida? What about South America? These are questions worth asking. If your medical coverage won’t be in effect, it’s worth considering medical travel insurance .

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card includes travel accident insurance for you and your immediate family members . It’s in effect if you pay at least part of the airfare for your trip with this card. You’ll receive varying maximum payouts depending on the type of injury (or death) encountered during your trip, and the maximum limit also depends on whether the accident occurs while traveling on a common carrier or at some other point during your trip . The 24-hour benefit provides maximum coverage of $100,000, increasing to $500,000 when traveling on a common carrier.

But how does this work in practice?

If more than 1 person is injured , the benefits administrator will pay no more than 2 times the maximum limit for each type of injury. That sum will be divided among all covered persons eligible for benefits payments.

In case of death , the benefits administrator will give the money to your named beneficiary. If you haven’t named a beneficiary, the order of preference goes from a spouse or domestic partner to children, then parents, siblings, and finally, your estate. If you go missing and haven’t been found after a year, then this will trigger the “loss of life” benefit.

Coverage begins either when you reach the airport, station, or terminal for travel on a common carrier or when you enter courtesy transportation provided to take you to the point at which your trip begins, such as a train station or airport. If you didn’t buy your tickets in advance but are purchasing them when you arrive at the station, coverage begins once you make the payment for travel. Coverage ends after you leave the transportation vessel or exit the courtesy transportation provided afterward.

The 24-hour coverage functions a bit differently. It’s in effect around the clock for up to 30 days, starting from your scheduled departure for air travel. If your trip is longer than 30 days, coverage will pause 1 minute after midnight on the 31st day and resume when you reach the airport for a flight home or are in courtesy transportation to the airport for the flight home.

Obviously, there are exclusions. You aren’t covered if you’re a pilot or crew member on a flight, you get injured while committing a crime, you get injured while skydiving, your injury is self-inflicted, or you’re injured in a war.

Lastly, you may wonder how COVID-19 factors in . The benefits guide says this under covered losses: “Quarantine of you or your traveling companion imposed by a physician or a competent governmental authority having jurisdiction, due to health reasons.”

Thus, your illness could be covered if a doctor or government requires quarantine related to COVID-19. COVID-19 is generally covered under most travel insurance policies in the same way sicknesses are covered. However, not traveling to avoid COVID-19 risks isn’t covered. As the benefits guide says, “Your disinclination to travel, a country closing its borders, or a travel supplier canceling or changing travel arrangements due to an epidemic or pandemic.”

Hotels aren’t treated separately under the Chase Sapphire Preferred card travel insurance terms. If you must cancel or interrupt a trip for a covered reason, then your hotel cancellation fees can be covered. This would include situations like forfeiting a first night’s room cost for canceling your hotel booking at the last minute, assuming you couldn’t arrive for a covered reason, such as a travel delay or a last-minute injury that made you unable to travel.

While you won’t find the word “Airbnb” or even “vacation home” in the benefits guide, you will find a description that covers these types of rentals :

“Provider of Lodging – a hotel, inn, motel, bed and breakfast, or hostel; a Provider of Lodging includes non–commercial time shares, condominiums, or rentals of a private residence; such rental shall require a written contract between You and the property owner or management company, executed in advance of the commencement of the rental period …” Chase Sapphire Preferred card benefits guide.

So long as you’ve reserved your rental in advance and have a written contract — which Airbnb provides at the time of booking, courtesy of your confirmation details — your vacation home rental should count as a type of lodging. The contract must state the cancellation provisions, must not include a rental of more than 60 days, and your booking must be made directly with a licensed website or agent — not with the homeowner directly (unless that person is a licensed agent).

Airbnb is a covered lodging type, meaning your booking should qualify for trip interruption, trip cancellation, and trip delay coverage .

In short, yes. However, there are some exclusions. Since your personal auto insurance policy may not cover you abroad, it’s great to know that paying with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card and declining the rental company’s collision damage waiver can provide protection on your next rental .

You can be covered up to the actual cash value of most rental cars against theft or collision damage. Coverage can include administrative fees, loss-of-use charges, and even towing charges. Coverage applies to rentals up to 31 days and covers you plus any additional drivers listed on the rental contract .

You’ll need to use your card (or your points) to pay for the entire cost of the rental , and most vehicle types are covered by this primary insurance. However, coverage doesn’t apply to exotic or antique cars, high-value vehicles, cargo vehicles, motorcycles, RVs, or vans with seating for more than 9 people (including the driver). Note that Teslas qualify as high-value vehicles, so these aren’t covered .

The benefits guide doesn’t spell out any specific excluded countries . However, Visa typically excludes coverage in Israel, Jamaica, and Northern Ireland, plus you may not be able to use your card to pay for a rental (and thus coverage won’t be in effect) with U.S. Treasury Department monetary embargoes . These destinations include places where your credit cards won’t work, such as Cuba, Sudan, Syria, and North Korea.

Unfortunately, no. Because Turo and Zipcar rentals aren’t considered rentals from a rental car agency, most credit card rental car insurance doesn’t cover them .

To file a claim, you should first gather all of the documents related to your claim . These can include receipts, accident reports, police reports, photos, hospital records, or anything else pertinent to the type of claim you’re making.

Next, you can call the benefits administrator at 866-390-9735 or visit eclaimsline.com to submit online . Different claims have different required timelines. For example, auto claims must be filed within 100 days of the incident. However, you need to file within 90 days for baggage delays or losses, but you’re supposed to contact the benefits administrator within 20 days of these incidents to at least provide notice, even though you have 90 days to finish submitting the claim.

This question will be subjective, and different people will arrive at different conclusions. Travel insurance can be useful for the unexpected, but no 2 trips are equal. The best way to decide whether you need additional insurance beyond what the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers is to look at what it doesn’t cover.

Will you be skydiving? Do you have significant trip expenses related to Turo rentals or short connections that could cause domino effects if you miss a departure time? Are you renting an RV or going camping — types of travel not covered by the Chase Sapphire Preferred card?

If you have prepaid, nonrefundable expenses that wouldn’t be reimbursed by your credit card’s travel insurance in the event of delays or cancellations, getting a travel insurance policy that covers these could be a good idea and could provide peace of mind. That said, not every travel activity is covered by every travel insurance policy, so you want to make sure you choose a policy that covers your expenses for your particular trip .

If you look at your trip and decide that your flights, hotel plans, and simple plan of just relaxing at the beach will be covered by the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, then purchasing an extra policy probably isn’t necessary.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers numerous protections for purchases and trips. Insurance terms can feel confusing, but hopefully, the explanations of these policies should clarify what is and isn’t covered, as well as policy limits, in a way that helps you know whether the coverages are sufficient for your upcoming travels.

Want to learn more about what else this card offers beyond travel insurance? Consult our full Chase Sapphire Preferred card review .

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the chase sapphire preferred card have trip insurance.

Yes, it has several types of travel protections. Cardholders get rental car insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost and damaged luggage reimbursement, travel accident insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and trip delay reimbursement.

How to file a claim with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card travel insurance?

You can call the benefits administrator at 866-390-9735 or visit eclaimsline.com to submit online. Each claim type has different required documents and a different required submission timeline, so check your benefits guide for your specific claim type.

Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred card reimburse for travel cancellation?

Yes, you can be reimbursed for monetary losses of up to $10,000 per person and up to $20,000 per trip if you cancel for a covered reason. You’ll need to pay for at least part of your trip with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card, and the cancellation must be for a covered reason, such as death, injury, or being called to active military duty.

What insurance does Chase Sapphire Preferred card cover?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has several types of travel protections. Cardholders get rental car insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost and damaged luggage reimbursement, travel accident insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and trip delay reimbursement. Cardholders also get shopping insurance benefits, such as purchase protection and extended warranty protection, plus other benefits like roadside dispatch and travel and emergency assistance services (though these are pay-per-use benefits).

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About Ryan Smith

Ryan completed his goal of visiting every country in the world in December of 2023 and now plans to let his wife choose their destinations. Over the years, he’s written about award travel for publications including AwardWallet, The Points Guy, USA Today Blueprint, CNBC Select, Tripadvisor, and Forbes Advisor.

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Southwest Airlines quietly rolls out a new compensation program for flight delays

Southwest Airlines said it launched a compensation program for  flight delays as part of a $140 million U.S. Department of Transportation settlement over the carrier's meltdown in December 2022 during a busy holiday travel period.

Southwest agreed in December 2023 to provide $90 million in travel vouchers of $75 or more over three years to passengers delayed at least three hours getting to their final destinations because of an airline-caused issue or cancellation and to start the program by April 30.

The airline said Monday it had quietly launched the program on April 16 and has already heard from a few thousand customers seeking vouchers.

The airline agreed to the compensation program after the holiday meltdown that resulted in 16,900 flight cancellations and stranded 2 million passengers. The settlement included a $35 million cash fine.

Will Southwest start assigning seats? CEO says the airline is weighing changes

A massive winter storm in December 2022 and subsequent chaos prompted travel horror stories such as people missing funerals or long-awaited holiday gatherings, passengers with canceled flights forced to make cross-country drives of 17 or more hours and some cancer patients being unable to get treatment.

The delay compensation program is part of the Biden administration's aggressive efforts to get tough on airlines as it aims to require new passenger compensation. Vouchers will be awarded "upon request," Southwest said.

Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said in December that, given its operational performance, the $30 million in vouchers annually was "the right number" to commit to.

Asked if Southwest would end the program after three years, Jordan said consumer programs "rarely change or go away."

Rival U.S. airlines have not put in place similar programs and do not yet face a mandate to do so.

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President Joe Biden said last May that the DOT would propose new rules requiring airlines to compensate passengers with cash for significant controllable flight delays or cancellations by the end of the year. The DOT has not issued its proposal, and Congress has declined to mandate compensation for delays in a pending aviation reform bill.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said last week Southwest under the delay compensation requirement will "really lead the market and it will be very interesting to see how other airlines respond – not as punishment but by way of competition."

The DOT in 2022 asked carriers if they would pay at least $100  for delays of at least three hours  caused by airlines and none agreed.

Most carriers – including Southwest – voluntarily committed in August 2022 to provide hotels, meals and ground transportation for airline-caused delays or cancellations but resisted providing cash compensation as is required in the European Union .