If you miss your MS flight because of a TSA search, can you get a refund?
You’ve made it to the airport, but you’re cutting it close. So, you race to the TSA line and are randomly selected for a search.
If the search causes you to miss your flight, who’s responsible for getting you on a new flight? Is it the Transportation Security Association for holding you up, the airlines for giving your plane the farthest gate possible, or you for not planning for the likelihood of random searches and distant gates?
When is the TSA responsible?
The TSA will consider a claim for compensation under two circumstances. If the traveler says he was injured during a screening, the TSA will investigate the claim.
The TSA will also investigate claims of property lost or damaged during the screening process.
The TSA does not take responsibility for missed flights due to screenings.
When is the airlines responsible?
The Department of Transportation lists a number of reasons why an airlines would be expected to refund money to travelers. However, delays at TSA screenings are not on the list.
Most airlines recommend flyers arrive at the airport two hours before their scheduled departure. The two-hour window allows for long lines, random screenings and out-of-the way gates.
So, when will an airlines fork over the money? Here’s when the DOT says the airlines must take responsibility.
- Cancelled flights
- Significant delays in departures or arrivals — What constitutes “significant” is determined on a case-by-case basis.
- Downgraded classes of service
- Optional service fees — If you pay for WiFi, baggage fees or seat upgrades and cannot use them due to a flight change, the fees must be refunded. If the optional service does not work, you have to contact the airlines.
- Baggage fees, if the luggage is lost — Airlines usually declare luggage is loft five to 14 days after a flight. If the airlines refuses to change the baggage status to lost for an unreasonable period of time, they are subject to enforcement actions by the DOT.
- Fully refundable tickets that are not used
Extenuating circumstances
In some instances, a refund is required if certain conditions are met. For non-refundable tickets you may be owed a refund If a flight is canceled, significantly changed or delayed.
In many instances, circumstances do not call for a refund:
- Personal issues — If you have a non-refundable ticket and are sick, late or fail to allow time for a TSA screening and long walk to your gate, the airlines will not owe a refund.
- Bad service — If you unsatisfied with your flight or the service you receive, you are not entitled to a refund.
- Incidentals — If your flight is delayed or changed and you opt to wait for it by getting a hotel room or renting a car, the airlines is not responsible for the cost.
Good business
While airlines are not required to refund or replace your ticket in every situation, it is often up to their discretion. For instance, some airlines will find a later flight if you have missed yours for any reason, but will charge you if you miss the new flight, too.
If you’ve changed your mind
If you cancel travel plans within 24 hours of booking a flight, the airlines is legally required to either refund the full price without a penalty or have a service in place that offers to hold the ticket for 24 hours at the same price.
If you are entitled a refund
Request a refund from the airline in writing, stating why you are entitled to the refund. The airline is required to promptly refund the money. If you are denied, you may file a complaint with the DOT online.
