We tried it: Getting reimbursed for travel delays

We love travel — but we do not love unexpected airport chaos.

On a recent work trip to Mexico, we each faced major delays. One of us was marked a no-show while physically inside the airport because we couldn’t get a boarding pass. The other experienced a domino effect — a missing gate agent, de-icing delays, a missed connection, a four-hour crew delay, and a mechanical issue that led to an overnight stay.

Because these disruptions felt largely outside of our control — and, to some extent, within the airline’s — we decided to advocate for ourselves. We requested cash refunds instead of flight credits, submitted reimbursement claims for meals and hotels, explored credit card trip delay protections, and even filed a DOT complaint.

Some of it worked. Some of it didn’t. We’re breaking it all down so you can feel more prepared if this ever happens to you.

Episode Timestamps:

• [03:00] Cassidy’s travel mishap: protests, road closures, and arriving late to a delayed international flight 
• [07:00] Rebooking, overnight hotel, and initial reimbursement request — and the first denial
• [09:00] Follow-up, second denial, and next steps (escalation and credit card coverage)
• [12:00] Emily’s travel mishap: missing gate agent, de-icing delays, and a missed connection
• [14:00] Emily’s backup plan: buying a last-minute ticket, four-hour crew delay, and mechanical issues
• [18:00] Refund strategy: requesting cash instead of flight credit and submitting expense receipts
• [21:00] A $600 airport hotel surprise, credit card dispute, and goodwill compensation request
• [27:00] Our biggest takeaways: knowing your rights, using the DOT dashboard, credit card protections, and documenting everything

Resources:

• Department of Transportation (DOT) Airline Customer Service Dashboard 
• Financial Feminist episode featuring former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg
• How to Win at Travel by Brian Kelly
• Your credit card’s trip delay / travel disruption coverage (check your card’s Guide to Benefits)

If you love The Finance Girlies and want to help keep the podcast ad-free, consider becoming an Insider. For $5 a month (less than $1.25 per week), you’ll get one Insider-only bonus episode every month — and our eternal gratitude. 💖 Sign up here.