Your Rights When a Direct Flight Changes to One with a Layover

Key Takeaways

• DOT rules from late 2024 protect travelers if direct flights change to connecting flights in 2025.
• Passengers can request full refunds or free rebooking for changed direct international flights.
• Compensation applies for delays over 2 to 6 hours; baggage fees now charged on some international routes.

Travelers planning international trips in 2025 are facing a new reality: airlines are cutting direct flight options and replacing them with routes that include layovers. This shift is happening because of higher fuel costs, pilot shortages, and changes in how airlines manage their schedules. If you booked a direct flight and your airline changes it to one with a layover, it’s important to know your rights, what actions you can take, and how these changes might affect your travel plans and immigration journey.

Below is a clear, detailed update on what has changed, who is affected, what you need to do next, and how these changes impact pending travel and immigration plans.

What Has Changed: New Rules for Direct Flight Changes in 2025

Starting in late 2024 and continuing into 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has put in place new rules that protect travelers when airlines change a direct international flight to one with a layover. These rules apply to all major U.S. airlines and cover both refunds and rebooking options. The DOT’s goal is to make sure travelers are treated fairly and have clear choices if their travel plans are disrupted.

Who Is Affected by These Changes

• Anyone who booked a direct international flight from or to the United States 🇺🇸 and has their flight changed to one with a layover.
• Travelers whose flights are delayed by several hours, have a change in airport, or experience a downgrade in cabin class.
• People with pending immigration appointments, visa interviews, or other time-sensitive travel needs.
• Families, students, and business travelers who rely on direct flights for convenience and shorter travel times.

Effective Dates

• The new DOT rules started in late 2024 and are fully in effect for all international flights in 2025.
• Major U.S. airlines have updated their policies to match these rules, but some have made their own changes that may affect your options.

Required Actions for Travelers

If your direct flight is changed to a connecting flight with a layover, here’s what you need to do:

1. Check Your Notification

Airlines must let you know if your flight changes. You’ll usually get an email, app alert, or phone call. As soon as you get this notice, review it carefully.

2. Review Your Options

• Refunds: Under DOT rules, you can ask for a full refund if your direct flight is changed to one with a layover. This is true no matter what type of ticket you bought or how much you paid.
• Rebooking: You can also choose to be rebooked on another flight, including on a partner airline, at no extra cost. The new flight should be as close as possible to your original plans.
• Compensation: If the change causes a long delay (over 4 hours for international flights), you may be owed extra compensation.

3. Take Action Quickly

• Request a Refund: If you want your money back, use the airline’s website, app, or call their customer service. Be ready for long wait times on the phone. Sometimes, calling a foreign-language line can get you help faster.
• Rebook Your Flight: If you still want to travel, look for other direct flights or the best connecting option. Use the airline’s “Find Alternative Flights” tool if available.
• Check Baggage Rules: If you’re rebooked on a different airline, ask about baggage policies. Some airlines now charge for checked bags on international routes, and baggage might not be checked all the way through if you switch airlines.

4. Monitor Your Itinerary

Flight schedules are changing often in 2025. Keep checking your itinerary for more changes, especially if you’re flying to or from smaller airports.

Key Details: Refunds, Rebooking, and Compensation

DOT Mandate (2025)

• Full Refund: If your direct flight is changed to a connecting flight, you can get a full refund. This is true even if the airline offers another way to get you to your destination.
• Rebooking: Airlines must let you rebook on a similar flight, including with partner airlines, at no extra cost.
• Significant Delay: If your new flight arrives more than 6 hours later (Delta), 4 hours later (American), or 2 hours later (United), you can get a refund.
• Other Changes: If the airport changes, your cabin is downgraded, or the airline changes, you can also get a refund.

Major U.S. Airline Policies (2025)

• Delta: Refunds for any added stop, 6+ hour delay, airport change, downgrade, or flight number change. Rebooking allowed if DOT rules are met.
• American: Refunds for 4+ hour total travel time change, added stop, or airport change. May rebook to nonstop or connecting flights.
• United: Refund or rebooking for 2+ hour delay or added stop.
• Southwest: Free changes for 1+ hour change, but now charges for checked bags on international routes.

Compensation for Schedule Changes

If you are denied boarding because of a schedule change and your new flight is much later, DOT rules say you must be paid:

• International Flights: If your new flight arrives more than 4 hours later, you get 400% of your one-way fare (up to $2,150).
• If your new flight arrives 1–4 hours later, you get 200% of your one-way fare (up to $1,075).
• If you accept the new flight and it does not meet these delay times, you do not get extra compensation beyond a refund or rebooking.

Baggage Handling: What to Watch For

• More Risk: Adding a layover increases the chance your bags could be delayed or lost, especially if you have a tight connection or switch airlines.
• Southwest: Now charges for checked bags on international routes. Bags are only checked through if all flights are on the same ticket and airline.
• Best Practice: Always ask about baggage rules when you are rebooked, and allow extra time for connections.

Travel Time and Other Practical Implications

• Longer Trips: Changing from a direct flight to one with a layover usually means your trip will take longer. Sometimes, you might even have to stay overnight.
• Refund Eligibility: If your total travel time increases by more than 6 hours (Delta), 4 hours (American), or 2 hours (United), you can ask for a refund.
• No Fare Reduction: Airlines do not have to lower your ticket price if your direct flight is replaced by a less convenient connecting flight.

Step-by-Step: What to Do If Your Direct Flight Is Changed

1. Check for Airline Notification: Look for emails, app alerts, or calls about your flight change.
2. Log In to Your Account: See your new options for refunds or rebooking.
3. Request a Refund: Use the airline’s website, app, or phone line.
4. Rebook: Choose a new flight that works for you, at no extra cost.
5. Check Baggage Rules: Ask about baggage transfer and fees, especially if you are flying with a different airline.
6. Keep Checking Your Itinerary: More changes could happen, so stay alert.

Recent Developments and What to Expect in 2025

• Fewer Direct Flights: Airlines are cutting direct international routes from smaller cities because of higher costs and fewer pilots.
• Southwest Changes: Southwest now charges for checked bags on international routes and is testing assigned seating, ending its “bags fly free” policy on some flights.
• DOT Enforcement: The DOT has made refund and rebooking rules the same for all major airlines, but some airlines (like Delta) have made it harder to get free changes unless you meet the DOT’s rules.
• Expert Advice: Book directly with the airline for easier help if something goes wrong, and check your itinerary often, especially if you’re flying from a smaller airport.

Implications for Pending Immigration Applications and Time-Sensitive Travel

For travelers with pending immigration applications, visa interviews, or other important appointments, these changes can have a big impact:

• Missed Appointments: Longer travel times or missed connections could cause you to miss visa interviews or immigration appointments. Always allow extra time in your travel plans.
• Document Deadlines: If you need to arrive by a certain date for a visa or immigration deadline, check your new itinerary carefully and consider asking for a refund if the new schedule does not work.
• Proof of Changes: Keep all emails and notifications from the airline. You may need to show proof of the schedule change if you have to reschedule an immigration appointment.

Multiple Perspectives: How Different Groups Are Affected

• Travelers: Many are frustrated by the loss of direct flights, longer travel times, and the lack of extra compensation for less convenient routes. The need to act quickly to secure refunds or rebooking adds stress, especially for families and those with tight schedules.
• Airlines: Airlines say these changes are needed because of higher costs, fewer pilots, and the need to follow new rules. They are also trying to manage flights more efficiently.
• Regulators: The DOT wants to make sure all travelers have the same protections, but some people feel the new rules are not as generous as airline policies before 2024.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Book Directly with Airlines: This makes it easier to get help if your flight changes.
• Allow Extra Time: Plan for possible delays, especially if you have important appointments or connections.
• Check Baggage Policies: Ask about fees and transfer rules if you are rebooked on a different airline.
• Act Quickly: Refund and rebooking options may be limited, especially if many travelers are affected by the same schedule change.
• Monitor Your Itinerary: Flight schedules are changing often, so keep checking for updates.

Official Resources for Help

• U.S. Department of Transportation Air Consumer Protection: For official rules and your rights, visit the DOT’s Fly Rights page.
• Delta Customer Service: 800-221-1212 or delta.com
• American Airlines Schedule Change Help: saleslink.aa.com
• United Customer Service: united.com
• Southwest Customer Service: southwest.com

For more detailed analysis and ongoing updates about airline schedule changes and your rights, VisaVerge.com reports that staying informed and acting quickly are the best ways to protect your travel plans.

Summary of Immediate Next Steps

• If your direct flight is changed to a connecting flight, you can get a full refund or be rebooked at no extra cost.
• Check your email or app for notifications, and act quickly to choose the best option for you.
• If you have an important immigration appointment, allow extra time and keep proof of any changes.
• Watch out for new baggage fees, especially on Southwest, and confirm baggage transfer rules if you switch airlines.
• Keep checking your itinerary for more changes, as flight schedules are still unstable in 2025.

By knowing your rights and acting fast, you can reduce the stress of last-minute flight changes and make sure your travel and immigration plans stay on track. For the most up-to-date information, always check official airline and government websites before you travel.

Learn Today

DOT → U.S. Department of Transportation; governs airline consumer protections and flight change rules.
Rebooking → Rescheduling a flight at no extra cost after a flight change or cancellation.
Compensation → Monetary payment required if flight delays exceed specified hours under DOT rules.
Connecting Flight → A flight route involving one or more layovers between origin and destination.
Baggage Transfer → Process of moving checked luggage from one flight to another during layovers.

This Article in a Nutshell

In 2025, direct international flights are often replaced by layovers due to costs and pilot shortages. New DOT rules guarantee refunds or rebooking for changed flights. Travelers must act quickly, check notifications, and monitor routes to avoid missed immigration appointments and extra baggage fees, especially on Southwest flights.
— By VisaVerge.com