RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesTRAVEL Tips to save money booking your next vacation or when plans get disrupted By Nina Pineda Wednesday, August 12, 2026 5:14PM 7 On Your Side's Nina Pineda tips to help you out. NEW YORK (WABC) -- Airline passengers with tickets to visit Columbia, rocked by a powerful Earthquake on Monday, or Puerto Rico, where citizens are grappling with rationing water, may qualify for refunds on fares.
Natural disaster cancellations can kick in for hurricanes or unforeseen incidents like earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.
"The mandated major disruptive event policy should be in effect, which essentially states any essential utility that is being disrupted or is out in the area, like having running water, could in fact kick on a refund policy, meaning you could potentially see a refund if you are in the destination, or if you are considering travelling there in the near future," said travel expert Katy Nastro.
Nastro notes that airline policies differ - some say extraordinary circumstances do not guarantee a refund.
In that case, passengers should ask to be rebooked or for a weather waiver, which allows for changes without fees. Make sure you document the condition of the event - like a dated news article - and keep receipts of all travel interruption expenses.
Now is also the time to book flights for what travel agents call "shoulder season" between summer and holiday travel.
This year, however, lower fares normally seen in September and October aren't going to be as frequent as last year.
"The deals that we are seeing shoulder season this year are arriving, but they are departing sooner from the time that we usually see them, so our biggest advice - if you see something, book it immediately," Nastro said.
If you have buyer's remorse, don't worry, the U.S. Department of Transportation mandates a "24-hour cancellation rule."
This rule applies to all airlines operating flights to, from, or within the US, it covers all types of tickets (including non-refundable fares) to be fully refunded if cancelled within 24 hours or allows for a 24-hour hold on a quoted price without paying for it.
"But you need to make sure you do it at least seven days out," Nastro said.
In order to qualify for the refund, you have to book directly with the airline. Third-party bookings through Expedia or Priceline may not qualify. When you cancel, do so online via the app, you want to avoid any hold times that could bump you out of the window which starts the moment you book, not on midnight that day. Keep all confirmation emails and check the fare type; basic economy will have many more restrictions.
If you don't get your refund within 7-10 days, report it to the US DOT. Airlines are not allowed to fly past this rule.
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