Airlines commit to providing meal vouchers and hotel rooms to customers during delays

Airlines give into pressure from the DoT.
delta plane


The Daily Navigator strives to help you make the best personal finance decisions. While we produce content according with strict editorial integrity this post may contain references to partner products. Here’s a full explanation for how our team makes money.

In another win for travelers, several major US carriers are finally committing to providing delayed passengers with things like hotel rooms and meals amid pressure from the DoT. 

Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg, recently told airlines to update their policies for delays within their control or risk stricter regulations from the top down. “We are also contemplating options for rulemaking that would further expand the rights of airline passengers who experience disruptions,” he said in an Aug. 19th letter to airline executives. 

Buttigieg’s major ask is for carriers to make their policies clear to customers by outlining their policies in writing. One key change Buttigieg asked airlines to make was to guarantee customers meal vouchers for airline-caused delays that are three hours or longer. 

Several airlines, including American, JetBlue, United, Delta, and Southwest, have already outlined their own policies on meal vouchers and hotel rooms, providing a welcome change for travelers who are often left confused by unclear policies and tedious customer service experiences. 

In response to the DoT’s warnings, many airlines are taking the time to show that they have been trying to improve the flying experience for passengers. In a letter to Buttigieg, Delta Air Lines’ CEO illustrated the carrier’s efforts to help passengers in the wake of disruptions.

Delta refunded travelers a total of $6 billion since the beginning of 2020 with one-fifth of those refunds happening in 2022. It also took other measures to help inconvenienced customers by including extra miles and modifying their flight schedules. 

While the post-pandemic travel chaos has been unprecedented, it’s an encouraging and long-awaited sign for travelers that airlines are finally willing to set and stand by their policies.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. This post contains references to products from one or more of our partners and we may receive compensation when you click on links to those products.

Stay in the know

Get expert insight into credit cards, loyalty programs, financial tips, and more delivered right to your inbox.

Related Stories

Smart Points Logo

Stay in the know with
Smart Points Newsletter

Get expert insight into travel credit cards, loyalty programs, points tips, and more. Recent edition →

Get expert insight into travel credit cards, loyalty programs, points tips, and more. Recent edition →

Advertiser Disclosure

This article contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. The relationship may impact how an offer is being presented. Our site doesn’t include all the offers available. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.

LIMITED-TIME OFFER!

$900 CashBack OR
90,000 bonus points

Worth over $1,500 in travel!

Partner offer. Terms apply.

DFC Partner Perks App Link Image
Special Discounts for Our Members

Save Big with Perks

Get $5,000+ in immediate travel savings with Perks. Unlock next level travel benefits, for life. Get discounts from the world’s best travel brands you won’t find anywhere else. No credit required.

DFC Concierge App Link Image
Special Discount for Our Members

93% off lifetime access

Save $1,200 and 10 hours of your time on every vacation. With Lifetime access to DFC Concierge, get fully customized trip itineraries to make every vacation unforgettable.

Dollar Flight Club App Link Image
Special Discount for Our Members

50% Off PREMIUM

You can save up to $500 on your next adventure without lifting a finger get email alerts when we find flights up to 90% off leaving your home airport. Just let us know your departure airport and we’ll do the rest.

The Daily Navigator Commitment

The Daily Navigator is an integral part of the larger DFC Media family. Through each of our brands, we’re dedicated to helping our readers travel, spend, and live smarter.

With products dedicated to affordable travel, educational content, and personal finance, we deliver the day’s essential content with none of the filler — all in a way that’s fast, easy, and fun to read. Every day million of audience members trust us to deliver educational content so that they can make informed decisions faster. We hope you’ll join them.

We’re happy to have you here!