When your flight is delayed or canceled, the first step is to contact the airline directly. If the airline fails to address your concern, you must escalate the complaint to the appropriate authority. The Federal Maritime Commission offers email and form-based complaint channels for unresolved issues, ensuring you have clear pathways to seek resolution without delay.
Quick Answer
Contact the airline first. If unresolved, file a complaint with the Federal Maritime Commission via email or their dispute form. For cruise-related issues, reach out to the ship's guest services.
Immediate Steps for Unresolved Airline Issues
This process begins with the Federal Maritime Commission, which accepts complaints through email at complaints@fmc.gov or by submitting a completed form. For non-cruise travel, the Federal Maritime Commission is the primary authority for resolving airline complaints.
The American Society of Travel Advisors, Travel Technology Association, and a travel agent observed that, despite increased scrutiny over hotel resort fees, there remains little uniformity in pricing practices, and bait-and-switch pricing remains an issue.
If your complaint is not resolved, you can contact: The state consumer protection office where you live or where the travel company is located Your local Better Business Bureau The Federal Trade Commission Complaints about.
- Download and submit the cruise dispute form if your issue involves a cruise
- Depending on the type of complaint, if it is not resolved, you may also contact the: Local health department State consumer protection office Complaints about travel agents and travel agencies Begin by complaining to a.
- Online travel agencies and travel advisors routinely offer, display, or advertise prices of covered goods or services to consumers, including businesses, which is conduct covered by the final rule.
When Travel Agencies or Third-Party Providers Are Involved
If the problem involves a travel agency or third-party provider, the process shifts to the state consumer protection office or the Better Business Bureau. These entities handle complaints about travel agencies, ensuring that the agency's practices align with consumer rights. The state office is typically the first point of contact, as it has jurisdiction over local travel services.
Travel agencies often operate under different regulations than airlines. The Federal Register notes that third-party intermediaries may be subject to Department of Transportation rules, but their practices can vary widely. This distinction means that complaints about travel agencies require a different approach than airline disputes.
If the problem is not resolved, contact the Federal Maritime Commission by: Emailing complaints@fmc.gov , or Downloading, filling out, and mailing or faxing their cruise dispute services request form Car rental complaints If you have.
- Contact the state consumer protection office where the travel agency is based
- Use the Better Business Bureau for additional oversight if the state office does not resolve the issue
Documenting Your Complaint for Maximum Impact
The Federal Register highlights that inconsistent pricing practices among travel agencies can lead to confusion. By maintaining thorough documentation, you help avoid disputes over what was promised versus what was delivered, especially when dealing with bait-and-switch pricing tactics.
If your complaint is not resolved, you can contact: The state consumer protection office where you live or where the travel company is located Your local. Better Business Bureau The Federal Trade Commission Complaints about cruises If you have a complaint while you are on a cruise, contact the ship's guest services office.
The Commission received comments from various third-party travel service providers, including online travel agencies and travel advisors, arguing that third-party travel intermediaries and advisors are situated differently from underlying travel service providers and may be.
- If the airline does not fix the problem, file a complaint with the U.S.
- If the problem is not resolved, contact the Federal Maritime Commission by: Emailing complaints@fmc.gov , or Downloading, filling out.
Decision Worksheet
| Check | What to do | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate Steps for Unresolved Airline Issues | Download and submit the cruise dispute form if your issue involves a cruise | |
| When Travel Agencies or Third-Party Providers Are Involved | Contact the state consumer protection office where the travel agency is based | |
| Documenting Your Complaint for Maximum Impact | If the airline does not fix the problem, file a complaint with the U.S. |
FAQ
What if the airline refuses to provide a refund after a flight cancellation?
If the airline refuses, file a complaint with the Federal Maritime Commission.
Which detail belongs in my records?
Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees: These practices are frustrating for consumers when they shop for travel and entertainment especially because these purchases can be significant expenditures.
Primary Sources
- USAGov: Complaints About Hotels and Travel Booking Services
- Federal Register: Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees
Everyday Record Lab provides general information. Confirm current instructions with the responsible official source.