Airline Passengers' Rights When Weather Changes Travel Plans

Jacqueline Sit, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A snowstorm that blanketed the northeast left 10,000 passengers stranded across the country since Saturday. So what does that mean for passengers traveling in and out of Oklahoma City?

Karen Carney, a spokesperson for the Will Rogers World Airport, said there are some delays but nothing that is significant.

"For those traveling to the east, most flights are under normal operations," Carney said.

But in cases of flight delays, many passengers may wonder what rights do passengers have? The answer is, not very many.

"In natural cases, as in bad weather, airlines are not obligated to do too much since they have no control of the weather," said Carney. " Each passenger has the 'contract or rights of carriage' and each airline is a little different. Generally with hotel rooms, those are not required for passengers according to the contract."

Carney said it's important to read the fine print before traveling so passengers can get a better understanding of their rights in the event of a cancellation.

"Most of the airlines will waive fees to book you to another flight under certain circumstances like weather," Carney said.