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Cancellations and delays: What airlines have to do before your flight

U.S. Department of Transportation said there are no laws requiring airlines to compensate passengers when flights are delayed or canceled.

SPOKANE, Wash. — The severe weather is having an impact on travel. 

There have been several delays and cancellations to and from Seattle, Portland and Spokane. 

KREM looked into your rights as a passenger if your flight is delayed or canceled because of weather.

U.S. Department of Transportation said there are no laws requiring airlines to compensate passengers when flights are delayed or canceled. But they are required to do so if a passenger is "bumped" from an overbooked flight. 

With long delays, some airlines will pay for meals or a hotel room. 

As for changes to your flight status, airlines must update passengers within seven days of departure. 

And if your flight is delayed for 30 minutes or more, the airline must provide updates within 30 minutes learning of the problem. 

Flights that are flat out canceled, most airlines will re-book you for free on their next flight to your destination, as long as seats are available. 

If it's canceled and you chose to cancel your trip as a result, DOT said you are entitled to a refund for unused transportation, even for non-refundable tickets. 

The takeaway here is keep a close eye on your flight status. And if there are any changes, the airline must give an update within 30 minutes of learning of the problem. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation has a full list of passenger rights. You can visit that list here.

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