We tried it: Getting reimbursed for travel delays / 63

We love travel — but we do not love unexpected airport chaos.On a recent work trip to Mexico, we each faced major delays. One of us was marked a no-show while physically inside the airport because we couldn’t get a boarding pass. The other experienced a domino effect — a missing gate agent, de-icing delays, a missed connection, a four-hour crew delay, and a mechanical issue that led to an overnight stay.Because these disruptions felt largely outside of our control — and, to some extent, within the airline’s — we decided to advocate for ourselves. We requested cash refunds instead of flight credits, submitted reimbursement claims for meals and hotels, explored credit card trip delay protections, and even filed a DOT complaint.Some of it worked. Some of it didn’t. We’re breaking it all down so you can feel more prepared if this ever happens to you.✨ Episode Highlights ✨[03:00] Cassidy’s travel mishap: protests, road closures, and arriving late to a delayed international flight [07:00] Rebooking, overnight hotel, and initial reimbursement request — and the first denial[09:00] Follow-up, second denial, and next steps (escalation and credit card coverage)[12:00] Emily’s travel mishap: missing gate agent, de-icing delays, and a missed connection[14:00] Emily’s backup plan: buying a last-minute ticket, four-hour crew delay, and mechanical issues[18:00] Refund strategy: requesting cash instead of flight credit and submitting expense receipts[21:00] A $600 airport hotel surprise, credit card dispute, and goodwill compensation request[27:00] Our biggest takeaways: knowing your rights, using the DOT dashboard, credit card protections, and documenting everything✨ Resources ✨Department of Transportation (DOT) Airline Customer Service Dashboard Financial Feminist episode featuring former Transportation Secretary Pete ButtigiegHow to Win at Travel by Brian KellyYour credit card’s trip delay / travel disruption coverage (check your card’s Guide to Benefits)Support the show📩 Get The Finance Girlies newsletter: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/newsletter💻Visit The Finance Girlies website: https://www.thefinancegirlies.com/💖Email us your money questions: [email protected]📸Follow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thefinancegirlies/