Understanding the Issue

It has been a tough week for travelers with widespread cancellations and delays disrupting flight operations. An IT issue has particularly affected Delta Airlines, leading to thousands of flights being canceled or delayed over the last few days. As a result, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has launched an investigation into the airline following numerous passenger complaints.

Initial Steps to Resolve the Problem

The DOT encourages travelers to first reach out directly to the airlines regarding any issues. This can often lead to quicker resolutions compared to filing a federal complaint. Airlines typically have customer service representatives at airports who can address many problems on the spot. According to the DOT, “Before you contact DOT for help with an air travel problem, you should give the airline a chance to resolve it.”

Filing a Complaint with the DOT

If the airline fails to resolve or acknowledge the problem, passengers can then file a complaint with the DOT. The department provides an air travel service complaint or comment form, which can be completed by the passenger or a relative. This is particularly useful when filing on behalf of a child or a passenger unable to complete the form themselves.

The complaint form requires information about the airline, flight itinerary, and a description of the problem. Travelers can also upload supporting documents or images to illustrate their complaint. It is important to note that this form should not be used for safety issues, which are handled by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Additional Resources

For more information, travelers can visit flightrights.gov to review the benefits and rights they are entitled to. This resource provides a comprehensive listing of passenger rights, further aiding in resolving travel-related issues.

In summary, while the DOT provides an effective way to file a federal complaint, initial attempts to resolve the problem directly with the airline are recommended. Should these efforts fail, the DOT’s complaint form serves as a valuable tool in seeking resolution and ensuring that passenger rights are upheld.