Refund when flight is canceled

This message was e-mailed to major airlines and aviation associations on September 25, 2001. It concerns the aftermath of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.

We are receiving an increasing number of complaints and inquiries from ticketed passengers, including many with non-refundable tickets, who describe having been denied refunds for flights that were cancelled or significantly delayed as a result of the tragic events of September 11. In many of these cases, alternate transportation either on the same carrier or other airlines was offered but declined by the passengers. In addition, we are very aware that most carriers have announced plans for significant reductions in scheduled service. The result is that many passengers' travel plans have and will be significantly affected.