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Alaska Airlines serves as a gateway to the Pacific Northwest.

But more importantly, Alaska offers a superior customer service experience to many of the United States’ larger carriers. When something goes wrong with an Alaska Airlines itinerary, you have additional passenger rights beyond those basic liberties provided by the United States Department of Transportation.

Here’s what you’re owed if your next Alaska flight is disrupted.

Alaska Airlines flight delay policy

Should your flight be canceled or substantially delayed, Alaska rebooks passengers on the next available flight at no additional cost. The reason for the disruption does not matter.

What qualifies as a substantial delay?

Though subjective, a substantial delay in aviation is defined as flight disruptions lasting:

• 3 or more hours for domestic flights within the United States
• 6 or more hours for international flights on international flights to Mexico, Central America, to other destinations

These situations are the ones that typically earn Alaska Airlines passengers compensation, vouchers, travel credits, refunds, and/or lodging accommodations.

The type(s) of compensation provided to you will depend upon how long your flight disruption is expected to last.

Delays of 3+ hours

Once 3+ hours have passed since your originally scheduled departure time and Alaska is at fault, the airline may:

• Rebook you on another flight that could get you to your destination more quickly
• Offer a meal voucher or reimbursement
• Offer free cancellations with refunds, even if your ticket was non-refundable

Some legs, particularly international itineraries, may require additional time passing before you’re eligible for rebooking or a meal, but it is always a good idea to ask a gate agent for your options at the 2-hour mark if a proactive announcement is not made.