Have you had a flight canceled to or from KCI? Here are five things to know and do
As COVID-19 restrictions wane, Americans are taking to the skies in larger numbers. Kansas City International Airport has seen a significant increase in travelers in the past year. Between February 2021 and February 2022, the airport saw a 98% increase in passenger traffic, according to a statement from the Kansas City Aviation Department.
In recent months, airlines like JetBlue, Delta and Air Canada have also brought routes directly to KCI, making it easier for Kansas Citians to travel back and forth from major hubs like New York, Boston and Toronto.
However, despite recent travel demands many travelers are experiencing more cancellations and delays, CNBC reported.
On Sunday April 3, JetBlue canceled 25% of its flights, Time reported, including several to Kansas City. The influx in cancellations comes right after JetBlue launched two direct services from Kansas City International Airport to Boston Logan International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, in late March.
A canceled flight can bring on a lot of undue stress, especially if you don’t know what to do or have never experienced it before. Here are some tips just in case you ever find yourself stuck with a canceled or delayed flight.
1. Passengers have rights
Not only do customers have rights, but most airlines actually keep a “bill of rights” or “conditions of carriage” document that outlines those rights. Airlines like JetBlue, Southwest, American Airlines, Spirit airlines all have a similar document that can help if you ever find yourself in a snafu.
In most cases, this document should explain conditions regarding cancellations, refunds, required timing for notices of changes and more. If you suspect that you might be vulnerable to a delay or a cancellation, make sure to read up on your rights as a passenger.
2. Keep an eye out for your flight while it’s in the sky
Getting ready to go to the airport can be quite hectic. There’s always a thousand things to do and so little time, but if you have a moment, try looking up your flight to see if it’s running on time.
Flight Aware is a great tool, where passengers can look up their flight and see where it is in real time.
You can use this site to get a better idea if your flight is likely to be on time or if it’s still quite a ways away. Most airports have large screens that offer similar information, but this way you can look up your flight from anywhere.
3. You may be entitled to a refund
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, passengers are entitled to a refund if the airline cancels the flight and you choose not to travel. You may qualify for a refund if there is a significant delay as well. If the refund is coming directly from the airline, the refund should be returned to the passenger within 7 business days if the person paid4 with a credit card, according to DOT. To see all the situations where a customer may be entitled to a refund, check out the department’s website here.
4. If you booked with a third party
If you booked through a third-party like Expedia or Skyscanner, notifying them of an issue with your flight might help to quickly resolve any issues you might come by. If you booked with a third party and you believe you might need a refund, it’s important to know that that refund will likely be processed by that same booking agency, so keeping them in the loop can work in your favor.
5. Flight Insurance
When booking your next flight, the option to buy flight insurance is almost always there somewhere lingering before you finish the transaction. For some, buying insurance is a no brainer. For others, it may seem like an unnecessary fee on an already expensive flight. If you are worried about your flight being canceled or delayed without reprieve, you may consider insuring your trip.
Travel insurance typically covers things like trip cancellation protection, baggage delays or loss and in some plans it can cover medical expenses. Travel insurance can be especially useful if you are booking a pricey flight or if you are traveling internationally. To learn more about when you should buy or skip travel insurance, check out this guide by CNBC.
Have you faced delays or cancellations when flying out of KCI lately? Do you have other questions related to flying or getting around Kansas City? Let us know at kcq@kcstar.com, and we can look into it.
