Flight delays: How to navigate cancellations, overbookings, and more
Air travel often comes with unexpected challenges, from delayed flights to cancellations and overbooked planes. Although these situations can be frustrating, understanding your rights as an airline passenger can help you navigate them more effectively. Whether it’s seeking compensation for a significant delay, requesting a refund for a canceled flight, or understanding what happens if you’re bumped from your flight because it’s overbooked, knowing what traveler protections are in place will help ensure you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.
Key Points
- Airlines are required to offer cash compensation if you’re bumped from a flight because it’s been overbooked.
- Flight cancellation compensation is often limited to a refund, even for nonrefundable tickets.
- The U.S. Department of Transportation doesn’t mandate compensation for flight delays, but many airlines voluntarily provide vouchers in specific cases.
Aviation consumer protection
Government agencies’ policies are designed to protect consumers from issues that arise when traveling by air. The U.S. Department of Transportation provides information about passenger rights when an airline cancels or substantially changes your flight, or bumps you because it’s been overbooked.
If you frequently travel to Europe, you can rely on the European Union’s air passenger rights or similar protections.
If you’re traveling outside the U.S. or Europe, policies vary widely. Check local regulations or with your airline to find out what your rights are and what compensation policies may apply.
Wherever you travel, knowing your rights will help you make informed choices and seek appropriate compensation for travel disruptions.
What are your air travel rights?
Air travelers don’t have an official bill of rights, but you can rely on some basic protections during your journey:
- What to expect during delays. Airlines aren’t required to offer cash compensation for delays. Many major airlines provide meal vouchers if a delay lasts longer than three hours. For delays on the tarmac lasting at least two hours, airlines must offer water and snacks. Some airlines go further, such as by offering free ground transportation and hotel vouchers for overnight delays.
- Refunds for cancellations. If your flight is canceled and you don’t accept an alternative, the Department of Transportation requires airlines to issue a refund. This policy applies to both refundable and nonrefundable tickets, and you don’t have to settle for a voucher.
- Options for flight changes. When an airline significantly changes your flight, such as by altering departure or arrival times or changing airports, it must allow you to decline the change and receive a refund.
- Overbooking and your rights. If you’re bumped from a flight because it’s been overbooked, cash compensation may apply. Depending on when you eventually reach your destination, you may be eligible for up to $1,550 in cash if the airline forces you to give up your original seat.
How to get compensated for an overbooked flight
Airline delay and flight compensation is often limited to required refunds and airline policies. But the situation changes if you’ve paid for a seat on a flight and the airline denies you boarding because it’s overbooked. In that instance, the airline must provide you with cash if you want it.
What if you give up your airline seat voluntarily?
Compensation for overbooked flights applies only if you were denied boarding. Some airlines might offer deals, such as vouchers for future travel, upgrades, or lounge access, along with rebooking you and providing vouchers to cover your delay. If you accept the deal and agree to give up your seat, you forfeit your right to cash compensation.
If you’re bumped, the Department of Transportation determines compensation based on how late you arrive at your final destination:
| Arrival time (domestic) | Arrival time (international) | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Within one hour of the original arrival time | Within one hour of the original arrival time | None |
| Within one to two hours of the original arrival time | Within one to four hours of the original arrival time | The lesser of 200% of your one-way fare or $775 |
| Later than two hours from the original arrival time | Later than four hours from the original arrival time | The lesser of 400% of your one-way fare or $1,550 |
Some airlines might offer you a voucher for a specified amount, but you don’t have to accept it if you don’t want it. If you’re bumped, you can request a check for the cash amount instead—in addition to being rebooked and the airline ensuring you reach your destination.
If you paid for upgrades or checked bags and the airline doesn’t honor the upgrade or requires additional payment for the same service on your new flight, it must issue a refund for the difference.
In the European Union, compensation depends on distance rather than the eventual arrival time. If you’re denied boarding your flight, you’re entitled to at least €250, with higher amounts for travel involving greater distances.
Steps to claim airline delay or cancellation compensation
If your flight is delayed or canceled, the airline will usually rebook you and ensure you reach your destination at no extra cost. But understanding your rights and the refunds or compensation to which you’re entitled can help you navigate the situation more effectively.
Follow these steps to secure a required refund or other compensation:
- Keep your receipts and other documentation. Save any receipts for costs related to the delay. Document premium services you paid for, such as a seat with extra legroom or checking a bag. If your rebooked flight doesn’t include these features, you’re entitled to a refund for them.
- Get it in writing. Request written confirmation of any offers or agreements from the airline, including records if you’re bumped from your flight.
- Reach out to customer service. Contact a customer service agent to find out what the airline can offer you and get it in writing. You could receive vouchers for future flights or upgrades to compensate for delays or cancellations.
- Contact the Department of Transportation. If needed, you can submit a complaint to the Department of Transportation, including all relevant documentation, to request assistance in getting compensation.
- Check your travel insurance coverage. If you purchased your ticket with a credit card, there might be included perks such as travel insurance. Although coverage typically doesn’t include compensation for being bumped or canceled flights, you might be reimbursed for delayed baggage or unexpected hotel stays.
The bottom line
Most compensation for delayed or canceled flights takes the form of rebookings or vouchers to ease the inconvenience. Depending on the circumstances, you might qualify for a refund, and if you’re bumped, you can request cash compensation in the form of a check.
Understanding your rights before you fly ensures you’re prepared to advocate for fair treatment and compensation when your air travel plans are upended.
References
- Fly Rights | transportation.gov
- Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboard | transportation.gov