What do airlines consider an "Act of God?"
Discover This Airline Loophole and a Smart Tip That May Save You.
Happy Monday, Travel Friend!
Ever been stuck at the airport, angry over a canceled flight, only to be told it was due to an "Act of God"? No, the airline isn’t suddenly getting spiritual, it’s just a fancy way of saying, "Not our fault!" But what exactly falls under this clause?
I share that info and much more in today’s edition of Gate Access… but first, some announcements!
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TSA is anticipated an increase by more than 5% of expected travelers this Spring Break, and many will be picking up alcohol from Duty Free shops, only to have TSA confiscate it at security.
I’ve seen it happen firsthand. The problem? Most travelers don’t know the hidden TSA rules that apply to Duty Free liquids, and one misstep means losing your pricey bottle.
This 5 step checklist breaks down the critical steps you must follow to keep your purchase. For access, upgrade to paid or purchase the single file download.
Live Q&A: April 2nd, 2025
I’ll be hosting a virtual live Q&A session on April 2nd, 2025 at 8 PM EST. This is my attempt to go beyond just email and actually chat with you in real time. During the Q&A session, I’ll have a small presentation highlighting the Gate Access Community and a raffle with a prize valued at $199. Exciting times!
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Now back to the main topic: What do airlines consider an "Act of God?"
In airline terms, an "Act of God" refers to any natural or unavoidable event that disrupts flights and isn’t within the airline’s control. This includes extreme weather (think hurricanes, blizzards, and volcanic eruptions), natural disasters, and even some unforeseen mechanical failures caused by external factors (like a bird strike). The key takeaway? If it’s beyond human control, airlines aren’t obligated to compensate passengers.
Why does this matter? If your flight is delayed or canceled due to an “Act of God”, airlines generally won’t offer hotel stays, meal vouchers, or refunds beyond what’s required in their policies.
Travel insurance can sometimes help, so I recommend using Faye as they cover many clauses that fall under the “Act of God” category.
Check them out and be sure to chat with them first before you make any purchase because coverage varies by state.
I live in Georgia so I’ll link specific Faye terms & conditions for Georgia residents at the end of this newsletter. Here’s a quick overview of what they cover for everyone.
An “Act of God” doesn’t automatically mean you’re out of options, it just means you need to approach things the right way to improve your chances of getting accommodated.
Here’s my top tip on who to talk to and how to position yourself for the best outcome.
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