Frontier Canceling Fiights
#31
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
As to the broader issue, the length of the change is a red herring. The passenger's flight was cancelled and he was rerouted. The DOT rules from 2011, as made clear in the April 3 Warning Letter, are written in the alternative. Either a cancellation OR a significant change.
The best process is to file both a chargeback and DOT complaint. DOT does not enforce individual consumer complaints, but it does require that the carrier respond. There is no good response other than "we've issued a refund" so, in this situation, it is the way to go.
When filing a chargeback, make sure to include a copy of the e-ticket receipt, the notice of cancellation, the request for a refund, and the denial (or a note that there has been no response). DOT requires that refunds be initiated within 7 days, so hold your chargeback to the 8th day. The more complete and timely your package, the easier and faster the chargeback proces.