6+ hr delayed AS flight due to mechanical - compensation ?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Alaska
Programs: DL-Diamond/2MM, Alaska Gold, Marriott Titanium, LT Plat.
Posts: 92
6+ hr delayed AS flight due to mechanical - compensation ?
Mechanical (some sensor problem) and flight delayed for 6 hrs/50 minutes. Other than meal voucher, what is appropriate compensation, or is there any ?
#2
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: On a plane or a beach
Programs: Yes
Posts: 2,962
You may receive an automated email within a few days day-of or post-flight which looks like this:

AS used to be much more proactive in sending out automated delay compensation, but recent reports by other FTr's haven't been promising. You may want to call into Customer Care and express your disappointment. They will likely provide a voucher for future travel. 🤙🏻🥃

AS used to be much more proactive in sending out automated delay compensation, but recent reports by other FTr's haven't been promising. You may want to call into Customer Care and express your disappointment. They will likely provide a voucher for future travel. 🤙🏻🥃
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 22,044
The US does not have mandatory compensation laws for delays like the EU (even when it is the fault of the airline), so there's no definitive compensation amount in these cases. You will often get something if you complain (in the form of voucher or miles), but there isn't much recourse if you are not happy with the amount (other than complaining some more and hoping for best).
#6
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,686
#8
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,252
Since then, it does feel more reactive than proactive. I don't use the Alaska Airlines link often but did on PHX-SEA flight last month. I received an email yesterday with two $75 discount codes.
James
#9
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,106
I also got a little something ($75 discount code) per person, but not until after I reached out. And that was just on a 2+ hour delay. For 6+ I'm surprised they haven't been proactive, but I guess they're saving money if the squeaky wheels don't ask.
#10
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,686
Seems very uneven, I got an apology email after inquiring after 2-3 hour delay. Guess I might have to directly ask for compensation?
#11
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,106
It seems to be all over the lot. I didn't ask for compensation, I asked for them to foot the bill of an extra hotel night because of our delay - they said no, but said here's the discount codes. I guess that makes sense from their standpoint, discount codes means I'll fly them again and pay more money out of my pocket. A straight reimbursement of the hotel cost would have garnered them nothing.
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Pacific Northwest
Programs: UA 1MM, AS MVPG, Bonvoyed Gold, Honors Dia, Hyatt Explorer, IHG Plat, ...
Posts: 14,892
Definitely seems to be a manual process, and thus dependent on how generous the human feels. I have received small amounts of compensation when I really didn’t expect anything due to the relatively short delay. And then I have received the email anteater posted above for trip where the delay was greater (including deplaning and trekking to another gate for a new aircraft). And I read it two or three times thinking “surely I am missing something here!?”