Waiting on a Alaska Airlines refund? The 7-day DOT deadline

The deadlines

• Paid by credit card: 7 business days.
• Paid by cash, check, debit or another method: 20 calendar days.
• The refund goes to your original form of payment unless you agree otherwise.

When the clock starts

For a cancellation or significant change, the refund becomes due once you haven't accepted the alternative offered (or rejected it). For an unused paid extra, it's due once the service wasn't provided. Keep the date you rejected the change or the airline cancelled; it's your evidence.

If the deadline passes

• Send Alaska Airlines a written refund demand quoting 14 CFR 260.6 and the deadline.
• File a free complaint with the DOT. The airline must acknowledge complaints within 30 days and respond within 60 days (14 CFR 259.7).
• If you paid by credit card, dispute the charge with your card issuer under the Fair Credit Billing Act, generally within 60 days of the statement.
• Alaska and Hawaiian are now one group but still list their commitments separately on the DOT dashboard.

Questions

Is it 7 days or 7 business days?

7 business days for credit card purchases. For other payment methods, 20 calendar days.

What if Alaska Airlines only offers a credit?

If a refund is due, you can say no and ask for the money to your original payment method. Accepting the credit usually ends the right to a refund.

Can I do a chargeback if the refund is late?

Yes, if you paid by credit card you can dispute the charge with your issuer. Time limits apply, generally 60 days from the statement.