And all of those associated costs that came with the chaos.
There ’s this TikTok I love that suggests the best way to get back at your parent for mommy or pop issues is tosimply shock them back . The video is only eight seconds longsighted , but it changed my entire mind-set on life . I do n’t feel unquiet talking to my parent anymore , because I ’m the threat . ( If you ’re wondering if you clicked on the incorrect article do n’t worry , this connects with your Southwest cancellation . ) My point in sharing this anecdote is that sometimes , when a higher authority commit you in a simply untenable position , you have to fight fervour with fire . In this lawsuit , you have to defend flight cancellation with determination , an understanding of your right , and a phonograph recording of all your cancellation - related expense .
On December 27,Southwest Airlines canceled over 3,000 flight , and on December 28 , the airline canceledmore than 2,500 flightsby 2 pm EST . That has ensue in thousands and K of multitude trapped in the heart of their holiday travel architectural plan without a means home or their next name and address . The cancellations have ruined class gatherings , vacations , work plans , a small bit of everything .
How do I get reimbursed for flights and other travel expenses?
Southwest Airlines is offering to recoup travelers for flight that have been canceled , as well as other " reasonable " expenses because of travel to-do . Southwest ’s websitestates that the troupe will " honor reasonable requests for reimbursement for meals , hotel , and alternate transportation . " you’re able to put forward the petition for reimbursement viaemail .
Our definition of sane and Southwest ’s definition of reasonable probably differ greatly , but just make indisputable to keep all of the receipts connect to your canceled flight of steps . My tip is to keep them organise in a folder on your phone , with photos of all paper receipts and a working log of costs . take for receipts for everything , even cash transactions . The detailed catalogue will come in ready to hand when you are submit your requests .
I can’t connect with customer service on the phone.
If you are trying to get in contact with client service via the headphone , that ’s not exit to be possible . Due to the volume of calls , Southwest has created awebsite pagewhere you may rebook , cancel , or curb the status of your flight of steps .
" High requirement is impacting our power to get in touch with our customers as quickly as we ’d care , " theSouthwest FAQs state . " If you are not move within the next 72 hours and can await to call , please do so . If you involve to progress to us desperately , you may stay to call . "
The web site is also where you canrequest a refund for call off flightsthrough a form on the site . There is no warrant that you’re able to rebook a new flight , as Southwest has tell that there is extremely limited handiness for stay flights in 2022 .
Brandon Bell/Getty Images News/Getty Images
How do I get my luggage back?
When it comes to other issues , like all the mislay baggage that is currently entrap at airports across the area , Southwest only says : " We ’re bring to fix the berth as quickly as potential . "
TheWashington Postreports that Southwest is working to finalize a solution that will secure that all baggage is returned to rider .
How do I know what reimbursements I qualify for?
To ensure that you are reimburse for as much as you qualify for , verify to expend the Department of Transportation’sdashboard for flight of steps delays and cancellations . It breaks down what you are entitled to based on the delay or cancellation you are have . It is a great citation pecker for when you project on contacting Southwest .
" In ordering to restore that family relationship with their customer , Southwest is going to have to not only make them financially whole , but find a fashion to really rebuild reliance and confidence , " Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg say onGood Morning America on Wednesday . " They pledge to me that they ’re going to do that . I want to see exactly what that have in mind . "
Just prepared to be patient . Southwest Airlines has not detailed any specifics on the timeline for refunds and reimbursements .
And in the spirit of @hannah_noelle ’s TikTok , check that to admit all of your receipts for hotels , car rentals , just the ticket fees , and any other charges you incurred while navigating this debacle . Just verify to take the frustration out through your determination to get your money back , not on the exhausted and overworked Southwest employees , who are plausibly just as disappointed with the fellowship as customers are .
