CINCINNATI — New federal regulations make it easier for travelers to get their money back after a flight cancellation or long delay. As the peak holiday travel season approaches, automatic refund rules are now in effect for canceled or significantly delayed flights.

Travelers at CVG Airport said this new policy provides additional security for passengers.

“I hope the airlines that leave people in trouble will have some accountability,” Maureen McKenna said.

Haley Bennett left CVG this week for a trip to Thailand. Bennett said the new rules helped take some stress out of his travel day Tuesday.

“It definitely adds a layer of confidence as a consumer that I will at least be able to get my plans done in some way,” Bennett said.

Passengers will now receive a refund for:

• Flight cancellations
• National delays of 3 hours or more
• International delays of at least 6 hours.

This does not mean that travelers benefit from both a refund and a new flight, the regulation only covers one or the other.
“I think the refunds are great,” said Ryan Walker, who left CVG for a business trip this week. “I recently got credit due to some hurricanes in Florida and it’s not always easy to use because it doesn’t fit into your schedule so it’s a lot easier to get the money back and to use it wherever I want.”

Maureen McKenna was flying out of Cincinnati with her family this week. She is optimistic about the impact the new policy will have on airlines.

“I hope this will encourage the airlines to keep them on track so they get to their destination,” she said.

Sometimes you get to your flight on time, but your bag doesn’t. Now you are entitled to a baggage fee refund if your bags are delayed more than 12 hours on domestic flights or more than 15 hours on international flights. You’ll also get refunds for prepaid services like seat selection and Wi-Fi if you don’t receive them.

“It makes things easier and allows you to put your money where you want it to go,” Walker said.

“It’s nice that if you are hit by a delay or cancellation, at least you are reimbursed for the projects you have been waiting for and banking on for so long.”

How to get your refund

The new rule also aims to make it easier for passengers to get a refund without having to fill out additional paperwork. If your flight is canceled, you can now expect a refund to be issued to the original payment method. Credit card refunds will be issued within 7 days and refunds for any other payment method will be issued within 20 days.

Refunds will be automatic – you do not need to request them. Again, these rules don’t apply if you accept an airline’s offer to rebook you on a new flight. The same goes for delays. If you are still traveling on the delayed flight, you are not entitled to a refund.

“Don’t Waste Your Money” is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. (“Scripps”).

Follow Jean:

Follow Taylor:

For more consumer news and money-saving tips, visit www.dontwasteyourmoney.com