Did the Recent Tech Outage Impact Your Delta Flights? Here's How to Get Reimbursed for Out-of-Pocket Travel Expenses

If you were impacted by the recent CrowdStrike tech outage while attempting to fly with Delta, I'm so sorry for your struggles. Many travelers were stranded for days trying to get to their destinations. While the outage impacted many major airlines, Delta seemed especially hard hit and struggled to operate normally for several days.

These disruptions caused added stress for busy travelers, and many had checking accounts that were impacted due to having to book additional travel arrangements. The airline has announced that it will reimburse affected customers for eligible out-of-pocket travel expenses.

For those impacted by the outage, I'll explain what steps to take to get reimbursed by Delta.

Delta will cover some expenses for significant delays and cancellations

Did you book alternative transportation arrangements or incur other travel costs due to Delta's inability to get you to your destination as initially planned? You may qualify for reimbursement.

The airline has stated that it's committed to reimbursing passengers for additional travel expenses like this because of disruptions due to flight cancellations or significant delays greater than three hours.

Delta said on its website that it would cover reasonable costs for additional expenses incurred due to eligible flight disruptions from July 19, 2024, through July 28, 2024. The following expenses are eligible for reimbursement:

• The fare paid to purchase another airline ticket in the same class of service (after subtracting the value of the unused Delta ticket)
• Alternative transportation methods, like rental cars, rideshares, trains, or buses, used to reach their destinations (after subtracting the value of the unused Delta ticket)

Due to significant delays and cancellations, Delta also noted that some customers may be eligible for ground transportation, hotel, or meal reimbursement.

Here's how to submit a claim for reimbursement from Delta

Gather your receipts and visit delta.com/reimbursement to complete the reimbursement claim form. You'll be asked to provide basic information about yourself, the impacted Delta flight, and any additional unplanned travel expenses you paid for due to travel disruptions. Delta will follow up about the status of your claim.

Non-Delta fliers may be eligible for a refund

If the tech outage impacted your travels and you were flying with a different airline, you may still qualify for reimbursement for the unused portion of your trip.

The U.S. The Department of Transportation (DOT) posted a travel alert on its website on July 19, 2024, reminding travelers that if an airline offers alternative transportation and a customer doesn't accept the alternative arrangement for a canceled or significantly changed flight, they're entitled to a prompt refund to the original form of payment.

If you paid for your flights using a credit card, that means a refund to your credit card -- not a flight credit. If you're owed money, reach out to the airline for assistance. If you believe you're owed a refund and the airline denies your request, you can file a complaint with the DOT.

Consider a travel credit card with travel protections

While this tech outage was unusual, having access to travel protections for unplanned travel disruptions can be beneficial. Flight delays and cancellations can happen when you least expect it. A credit card with travel protections could help you get reimbursed for additional unplanned expenses like hotel stays and meals if your travels don't go as planned.

The benefits and coverage available vary from card to card. Review the terms and conditions of your credit card benefits before traveling so you know what to expect.

Are you considering applying for a travel credit card? Check out our list of the best travel credit cards to learn more.