Feb 8, 2018, 12:12 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
Please edit or add information to this wiki as necessary.
When AA may issue you a voucher or reimburse you for lodging
When the issue is the responsibility of AA, the airline may provide a voucher or vouchers for lodging, meals and transportation, under the best of circumstances. These may not be to a convenient or nearby property. If you’re stuck at DFW, you probably won’t be staying at the Hyatt properties, for example. You may find, after waiting in a queue, you’re handed a voucher for the local “Notell Motel “, which neither offers a shuttle nor dining other than during very restricted hours, because AA has a contract with them for passengers in this circumstance. (AA vouchered us into the MIA DoubleTree Club some time ago - a total, grotty, filthy, roach-infested dump that was closed soon after - the six of us there should have been compensated for that abominable stay.)
It’s also possible they may tell you they’re out of vouchers. Have the delay and cause - very useful if AA us at fault and you’ve been told the flight is cancelled or delayed for a mechanical condition, lack of crew, etc. - documented in your PNR, and proceed as below.
If you are inconvenienced and there’s a lengthy reaccommodation or voucher queue, you may want to call AA through your status telephone number. If your flight is affected and it’s not a airport wide issue, and you’re at a hub like DFW, you might ask if there’s a reaccommodation desk nearby and go there.
If it’s an airport-wide issue, that’s a more serious problem. Try to call AA while you stand in queue. In case if hours-long disruption, in hubs such as DFW they might provide cots, blankets, snacks, etc. See The Guide to Sleeping in Airports”link below.
Alternatives:
If you have a higher end credit card (or travel insurance policy - some are even available as annual policies), you may just prefer calling your predilection hotel chain booking number and requesting the nearest hotel with a room and shuttle. You may want to inquire abit getting a “distressed passenger rate” to boot.
If you’re pretty sure the airline will reimburse you because the circumstances are so clear - and more likely you have status and are good at dealing with AACS, book it as a above.
In both cases, document as well as you can. If you can get an employee to enter an OSI (other service information) note into your PNR (passenger name record, the airline’s itinerary ) to note the reason for your inconvenience and anything you’re promised (such as a voucher for future travel), so much the better.
To contact AA for reimbursement, compensation, etc. contact AA Customer Relations.
When will AA likely not reimburse or voucher me for lodging?
When AA generally will not issue you a voucher or reimburse you for lodging (possibly might anyway if you’re a valuable customer such as Concierge Key - influencer of travel).
AA will generally not be responsible for lodging etc. when the conditions are beyond its control - most commonly, as a result of weather, even if the weather affected your aircraft at another location causing your current issue, including crews timing out as a result of such delays. The chain can be lengthy.
From the AA Conditions of Carriage (link):
Force majeure event means:
See above for alternatives.
Note that though your inconvenience might de due to a “force majeure”event, you might still gain some compensation from AA.
Resources
FlyerTalk AA forum master threads:
Contacting American Airlines Customer Relations & Complaint, Issues
IROPS "IRROPS" - OSO, Weather, etc. Affecting AA Flyers
IDB / Involuntarily Denied Boarding on AA & Compensation (master thread)
AA Bump Rates; compensation for VDB / Voluntary Denied Boarding (master thread)
FAQ: TCP, "Linking" / link / merge itineraries / PNR
Questions for 2018 about, guide to, listing of, compensation
EC261 / EC 261/2004 complaints, compensation and AA (applicable for European Community carriers and to AA when your flight originated in, and is disrupted in, Europe).
Lost baggage /luggage delay, loss, damage - advice, compensation, etc.
Other resources:
AA Conditions of Carriage (the rules that govern your travel with AA that AA imposes on you, sometimes called a “contract if adhesion”).
The Guide to Sleeping in Airports Lists best areas in airports around the world to catch some kip, and Lists public or paid access lounges.
When AA may issue you a voucher or reimburse you for lodging
When the issue is the responsibility of AA, the airline may provide a voucher or vouchers for lodging, meals and transportation, under the best of circumstances. These may not be to a convenient or nearby property. If you’re stuck at DFW, you probably won’t be staying at the Hyatt properties, for example. You may find, after waiting in a queue, you’re handed a voucher for the local “Notell Motel “, which neither offers a shuttle nor dining other than during very restricted hours, because AA has a contract with them for passengers in this circumstance. (AA vouchered us into the MIA DoubleTree Club some time ago - a total, grotty, filthy, roach-infested dump that was closed soon after - the six of us there should have been compensated for that abominable stay.)
It’s also possible they may tell you they’re out of vouchers. Have the delay and cause - very useful if AA us at fault and you’ve been told the flight is cancelled or delayed for a mechanical condition, lack of crew, etc. - documented in your PNR, and proceed as below.
If you are inconvenienced and there’s a lengthy reaccommodation or voucher queue, you may want to call AA through your status telephone number. If your flight is affected and it’s not a airport wide issue, and you’re at a hub like DFW, you might ask if there’s a reaccommodation desk nearby and go there.
If it’s an airport-wide issue, that’s a more serious problem. Try to call AA while you stand in queue. In case if hours-long disruption, in hubs such as DFW they might provide cots, blankets, snacks, etc. See The Guide to Sleeping in Airports”link below.
Alternatives:
If you have a higher end credit card (or travel insurance policy - some are even available as annual policies), you may just prefer calling your predilection hotel chain booking number and requesting the nearest hotel with a room and shuttle. You may want to inquire abit getting a “distressed passenger rate” to boot.
If you’re pretty sure the airline will reimburse you because the circumstances are so clear - and more likely you have status and are good at dealing with AACS, book it as a above.
In both cases, document as well as you can. If you can get an employee to enter an OSI (other service information) note into your PNR (passenger name record, the airline’s itinerary ) to note the reason for your inconvenience and anything you’re promised (such as a voucher for future travel), so much the better.
To contact AA for reimbursement, compensation, etc. contact AA Customer Relations.
When will AA likely not reimburse or voucher me for lodging?
When AA generally will not issue you a voucher or reimburse you for lodging (possibly might anyway if you’re a valuable customer such as Concierge Key - influencer of travel).
AA will generally not be responsible for lodging etc. when the conditions are beyond its control - most commonly, as a result of weather, even if the weather affected your aircraft at another location causing your current issue, including crews timing out as a result of such delays. The chain can be lengthy.
From the AA Conditions of Carriage (link):
Force majeure event means:
- Any condition beyond American's control including, but without limitation, meteorological conditions, acts of God, riots, civil commotion, embargoes, wars, hostilities, disturbances or unsettled international conditions - actual threatened or reported. Also, because of any delay, demand, circumstances or requirement due, directly or indirectly to such conditions; or
- Any strike, work stoppage, slowdown, lockout or any other labor related dispute involving or affecting American's service; or
- Any government regulation, demand or requirement; or
- Any shortage of labor, fuel or facilities of American or others; or
- Any fact not reasonably foreseen, anticipated or predicted by American
See above for alternatives.
Note that though your inconvenience might de due to a “force majeure”event, you might still gain some compensation from AA.
Resources
FlyerTalk AA forum master threads:
Contacting American Airlines Customer Relations & Complaint, Issues
IROPS "IRROPS" - OSO, Weather, etc. Affecting AA Flyers
IDB / Involuntarily Denied Boarding on AA & Compensation (master thread)
AA Bump Rates; compensation for VDB / Voluntary Denied Boarding (master thread)
FAQ: TCP, "Linking" / link / merge itineraries / PNR
Questions for 2018 about, guide to, listing of, compensation
EC261 / EC 261/2004 complaints, compensation and AA (applicable for European Community carriers and to AA when your flight originated in, and is disrupted in, Europe).
Lost baggage /luggage delay, loss, damage - advice, compensation, etc.
Other resources:
AA Conditions of Carriage (the rules that govern your travel with AA that AA imposes on you, sometimes called a “contract if adhesion”).
The Guide to Sleeping in Airports Lists best areas in airports around the world to catch some kip, and Lists public or paid access lounges.
When does AA pay / reimburse lodging / hotel in misconnects / OSO / IROPS (“IRROPS”)?
Feb 7, 2018, 12:14 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: BOS
Programs: BA GLD for LIfe, AA PLT 2 MM miler, B6 Mosaic, Star GLD; HH Diamond; Marriott PLT, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,368
Is airline obligated to pay for a hotel if it doesn't get you to a connecting flight
My daughter and her friend are flying AA from HDN (Yampa Valley/Steamboat Springs CO) to ORD and then on to BOS. The first flight is delayed due to weather. If she misses her connection and is stuck overnight in Chicago, does AA need to pay for her hotel?
I've suggested she and her friend look to rebook, but don't seem to be getting traction there.
Thanks.
Mods: Not sure whether this should be in an AA forum or another forum. Feel free to move if I got it wrong.
I've suggested she and her friend look to rebook, but don't seem to be getting traction there.
Thanks.
Mods: Not sure whether this should be in an AA forum or another forum. Feel free to move if I got it wrong.
Last edited by JDiver; Dec 23, 2020 at 12:35 pm Reason: Restore original post title
Feb 7, 2018, 12:21 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,252
No. Weather is not AAs (or any airlines) responsibility. If the delay/missed connection is due to Maintenance or fault of the airline, then they would.
Does your daughter or friend have trip insurance or a credit card that provides such?
Does your daughter or friend have trip insurance or a credit card that provides such?
Feb 7, 2018, 12:22 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,588
My daughter and her friend are flying AA from HDN (Yampa Valley/Steamboat Springs CO) to ORD and then on to BOS. The first flight is delayed due to weather. If she misses her connection and is stuck overnight in Chicago, does AA need to pay for her hotel?
I've suggested she and her friend look to rebook, but don't seem to be getting traction there.
Thanks.
Mods: Not sure whether this should be in an AA forum or another forum. Feel free to move if I got it wrong.
I've suggested she and her friend look to rebook, but don't seem to be getting traction there.
Thanks.
Mods: Not sure whether this should be in an AA forum or another forum. Feel free to move if I got it wrong.
Some credit cards provide trip-delay coverage, which would pay for overnight lodging if a connection were missed, and the airline refused to provide accommodations.
Feb 7, 2018, 12:47 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: BOS
Programs: BA GLD for LIfe, AA PLT 2 MM miler, B6 Mosaic, Star GLD; HH Diamond; Marriott PLT, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,368
Thanks. Not sure what card this was charged on. Undoubtedly they don't have tip insurance.
AA has them with a backup reservation on a later flight out of ORD so they can get either the flight they are listed on (which they would in the likely event that it too will be delayed) or the next one. Not sure which cards provide trip delay coverage (Amex Plat, Chase Sapphire Reserve and the like?). Are there non-premium cards with that kind of coverage? She's 24 and a nurse practitioner so not likely to get a card without $500 annual fee.
AA has them with a backup reservation on a later flight out of ORD so they can get either the flight they are listed on (which they would in the likely event that it too will be delayed) or the next one. Not sure which cards provide trip delay coverage (Amex Plat, Chase Sapphire Reserve and the like?). Are there non-premium cards with that kind of coverage? She's 24 and a nurse practitioner so not likely to get a card without $500 annual fee.
Feb 7, 2018, 12:52 pm
#5
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: New York
Programs: AA, CX, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 1,484
Thanks. Not sure what card this was charged on. Undoubtedly they don't have tip insurance.
AA has them with a backup reservation on a later flight out of ORD so they can get either the flight they are listed on (which they would in the likely event that it too will be delayed) or the next one. Not sure which cards provide trip delay coverage (Amex Plat, Chase Sapphire Reserve and the like?). Are there non-premium cards with that kind of coverage? She's 24 and a nurse practitioner so not likely to get a card without $500 annual fee.
AA has them with a backup reservation on a later flight out of ORD so they can get either the flight they are listed on (which they would in the likely event that it too will be delayed) or the next one. Not sure which cards provide trip delay coverage (Amex Plat, Chase Sapphire Reserve and the like?). Are there non-premium cards with that kind of coverage? She's 24 and a nurse practitioner so not likely to get a card without $500 annual fee.
Not associated with TPG, but here's a quick reference: https://thepointsguy.com/guide/cards...reimbursement/
Feb 7, 2018, 1:02 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,252
Thanks. Not sure what card this was charged on. Undoubtedly they don't have tip insurance.
AA has them with a backup reservation on a later flight out of ORD so they can get either the flight they are listed on (which they would in the likely event that it too will be delayed) or the next one. Not sure which cards provide trip delay coverage (Amex Plat, Chase Sapphire Reserve and the like?). Are there non-premium cards with that kind of coverage? She's 24 and a nurse practitioner so not likely to get a card without $500 annual fee.
AA has them with a backup reservation on a later flight out of ORD so they can get either the flight they are listed on (which they would in the likely event that it too will be delayed) or the next one. Not sure which cards provide trip delay coverage (Amex Plat, Chase Sapphire Reserve and the like?). Are there non-premium cards with that kind of coverage? She's 24 and a nurse practitioner so not likely to get a card without $500 annual fee.
Feb 7, 2018, 1:25 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: BOS
Programs: BA GLD for LIfe, AA PLT 2 MM miler, B6 Mosaic, Star GLD; HH Diamond; Marriott PLT, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,368
Thanks. I meant to say that she is unlikely to get a card with a $500 annual fee. I can see a few cards with $95 annual fees (Chase Sapphire Preferred and JetBlue Plus) and even a free card (JetBlue MC) that provide this delay insurance. [As an aside, her BF has tried to rent a car (she's not yet old enough) and none of their credit cards have useful insurance. The Chase card also makes auto rental primary, which is excellent.]
I fly a lot and should know this stuff but have high-end cards, high-ish status on various airlines, and an exec assistant whose job is to make my life work smoothly so this info is valuable.
I fly a lot and should know this stuff but have high-end cards, high-ish status on various airlines, and an exec assistant whose job is to make my life work smoothly so this info is valuable.
Feb 7, 2018, 1:30 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: BOS
Programs: BA GLD for LIfe, AA PLT 2 MM miler, B6 Mosaic, Star GLD; HH Diamond; Marriott PLT, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,368
Antarius, she is just starting to travel on her own (I took her all over the world while she was growing up and a year or so ago gave her a FF ticket to SE Asia for a few months when she finished a very tiring five year program), but I suspect she will travel as her job and income allow. She was in Toronto for a wedding in the summer, in Portugal in November (?), in Mont Tremblant for skiing (but I think they drove) and is now returning from Colorado. She is going to apply for Global Entry, which may be part of the $300 travel credit. I will suggest the Chase Sapphire Reserve to her.
Feb 7, 2018, 1:39 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,252
Antarius, she is just starting to travel on her own (I took her all over the world while she was growing up and a year or so ago gave her a FF ticket to SE Asia for a few months when she finished a very tiring five year program), but I suspect she will travel as her job and income allow. She was in Toronto for a wedding in the summer, in Portugal in November (?), in Mont Tremblant for skiing (but I think they drove) and is now returning from Colorado. She is going to apply for Global Entry, which may be part of the $300 travel credit. I will suggest the Chase Sapphire Reserve to her.
Feb 7, 2018, 1:48 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
Antarius, she is just starting to travel on her own (I took her all over the world while she was growing up and a year or so ago gave her a FF ticket to SE Asia for a few months when she finished a very tiring five year program), but I suspect she will travel as her job and income allow. She was in Toronto for a wedding in the summer, in Portugal in November (?), in Mont Tremblant for skiing (but I think they drove) and is now returning from Colorado. She is going to apply for Global Entry, which may be part of the $300 travel credit. I will suggest the Chase Sapphire Reserve to her.
Feb 7, 2018, 4:25 pm
#11
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: TUL
Programs: AA EXP 2MM; Marriott Titanium; Hilton Diamond; Hyatt Explorist; Vistana 5* Elite; Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 6,177
My wife uses the Mobile Passport app while I have Global Entry. We typically fly First Class so we are usually one of the first in line at Customs and usually clear at the same time.
Feb 7, 2018, 6:11 pm
#12
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 124
It's been a few hours and hopefully your daughter has resolved the situation, yet it's not uncommon for flight delays in the winter in Chicago. The snow/cold today isn't as bad as tomorrow is forecasted, yet I'd always advise to use a hotel app on your phone to make a reservation once you know you're not going out that night. There is a hotel connected to O'hare - the hotel website is Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel, and there are still rooms available tonight @ $239/night.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Feb 7, 2018, 8:11 pm
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: BOS
Programs: BA GLD for LIfe, AA PLT 2 MM miler, B6 Mosaic, Star GLD; HH Diamond; Marriott PLT, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,368
danbrew, thanks. My daughter got to ORD a few hours late and got on the backup flight. The delay in Chicago was mechanical, but fortunately, she'll get home tonight.
Feb 7, 2018, 10:13 pm
#14
Moderator: Avis and Rental Cars
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,033
If it's .mechanical issue, then the airline is responsible for a hotel, meal vouchers, transit to the hotel, etc. However, as others noted, if it's weather, you're on your own unless you have credit card/other insurance.
Feb 8, 2018, 7:49 am
#15
Join Date: Jun 2015
Programs: ba executive, AA advantage,
Posts: 84
Shawbridge. Wow a FF ticket to Asia. In case you are interested I am available for adoption. A little bit older than your daughter but am well behaved. Won't ask for much just a little trip once in a while.