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Air Travel/Emotional trauma underwent on a canceled flight

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Expert: - 2/23/2010


Question
Hello,
I had this trip planned to go to India during last December and my flights got canceled due to the snow storm in Philly. I had to fight it over for almost 3 days continuously with the airlines and my booking agents for the refunds to be processed. I underwent a lot of emotional trouble being on those calls for several long hours during that time, not to mention all the pain and money spent in this effort. I got the refund for the tickets back. However, I want to know if I have a legal case for any compensation for the emotional stress.
Airlines: United
Booking agent: www.makemytrip.com

Thanks in advance!

Answer
No. You should be happy with the refund.  Airlines are not liable for flights cancelled due to inclement weather.  It says so in the contract of carriage that you agreed to when buying the ticket.  Instead of thinking of suing, you should be thankful the airline broke their own rules in your favor and gave you your money back.

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Matthew Smith

Expertise

CAN: Airport Security (NOT immigration).
Airport planning and design. Airport development.
Airline pricing/yield/revenue management (NOT prices for individual tickets)
grant process
PLEASE STOP ASKING QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW LONG IT TAKES TO FLY FROM A TO B!!!
PLEASE STOP ASKING QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW MUCH PARTICULAR AIRLINES WILL CHARGE FOR YOUR BAGS!
That's why your airline has a website!

Experience

Formerly Director of Operations at a small commercial airport.
Formerly worked for a state government issuing and managing airport development grants.
Formerly worked for TSA. (Not as bad as it appears to the average passenger.)
Formerly worked at an airport in planning and operations.
Also formerly worked as a Price Analyst for a wildly unpopular airline.
Currently teaching overseas until the job market improves.

Organizations
AAAE, AOPA, AzAA

Publications
Collegiate Aviation Review (2008)

Education/Credentials
B.A. English and Religious Studies, Hobart College M.S. Aviation Management Technology, Arizona State University --specialty is airport planning and design

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