United Gets Stingier With Customer Compensation for Flight Delays
Photo Credit: United Airlines customers will need to seek out an airport agent if they want to be compensated for the delays between four and six hours. United Airlines
Skift Take
United may argue it isn't tweaking its delay compensation scheme to save money. But we're betting this new policy will save some cash. Still, it probably won't bother customers too much. How many of them were expecting compensation anyway?
If you take a delayed United Airlines flight and want compensation for your troubles, you may need to ask for it.
United is no longer proactively offering vouchers to customers on flights delayed fewer than six hours, according to a message sent to employees. The airline said it was making the change "based on feedback we've received," though the message did not expand on who gave this feedback. A United spokesman confirmed the policy shift.
The change covers delays where United is at fault, for reasons like mechanical problems or crew shortages. No U.S. carrier regularly compensates customers for weather-related problems, though some help customers find discounted hotel rooms.
Like most airlines under reputational duress, United had been generous in the last few years with compensation, often offering vouchers to an entire planeload of people for delays as short as four hours. The airline might offer different amounts to customers depending on their frequent flyer status, bu
