Originally Posted by
zkzkz
Isn't equipment failure the classic example of something that *is* under the airline's control? They're the ones maintaining and operating that equipment after all
The DOT considers mechanical failure to be outside the airline's control, and these are the definitions that the credit cards are using:
bad weather, air traffic delays, and mechanical issues, are hard to predict and often beyond the airlines’ control.
https://www.transportation.gov/indiv...-cancellations
Worth noting that "maintenance" problems are considered controllable; I'm not sure how they decide what's maintenance vs. mechanical.
A controllable flight cancellation or delay is essentially a delay or cancellation caused by the airline. Examples include: maintenance or crew problems; cabin cleaning; baggage loading; and fueling.
https://www.transportation.gov/airco...vice-dashboard