Your card's trip-delay benefit and the 60-day dispute window

Two different card tools solve two different problems.

Trip-delay and trip-cancellation benefits

Many travel credit cards reimburse hotels, meals and essentials after a long delay, often 6 hours or more or overnight, usually up to a cap per trip. They matter most when the airline owes you nothing, for example after an FAA ground stop.

1. Find "[your card] guide to benefits". Use the issuer's own site.
2. Confirm the trigger, the cap and that you paid the fare with that card.
3. Claim deadlines are often short. Start immediately.
4. Gather itinerary, proof of delay and itemized receipts.

Disputing the charge

If the airline cancelled, you declined the alternative and asked for a refund, and the refund deadline passes, your card issuer can reverse the charge.

Order of operations

1. Ask the airline for the refund in writing.
2. Wait for the legal deadline (7 business days for cards).
3. If it is late or refused, file a DOT complaint and dispute the charge.

Do not dispute if you accepted a voucher.