What are airlines required to compensate?

The Fine Print on Flight Delays and Denied Boarding: What Compensation Are You Owed?

Air travel, while often convenient, can be frustratingly unpredictable. Delays, cancellations, and—worst of all—denied boarding due to overbooking are all too common. But are airlines obligated to compensate passengers for these inconveniences? The short answer is: sometimes, and the details matter.

While there’s no single, universal compensation standard across all airlines in the US, the Department of Transportation (DOT) provides a crucial framework for passenger protection. Specifically, airlines are required to compensate passengers for denied boarding resulting from overbooking. This isn’t simply a matter of offering a voucher for a future flight; it usually involves financial compensation.

The exact amount, however, is not dictated by a fixed federal law. Instead, it’s determined by a complex interplay of factors:

• The airline’s own policies: Each airline has its own compensation plan, often detailed in their Contract of Carriage, a document accessible on their website. These policies generally outline tiered compensation based on the length of the delay in reaching your final destination. Expect to see variations in the amount offered depending on the airline and the circumstances.

• The length of the delay: The longer the delay caused by the airline, the greater the potential for compensation. However, the definition of a “significant” delay triggering compensation varies depending on the airline’s policy and the specific flight.

• The passenger’s itinerary: International flights often fall under different regulations than domestic ones. International agreements, like the Montreal Convention, can provide additional passenger protections and compensation levels.

• Whether you voluntarily gave up your seat: If you volunteered to give up your seat in exchange for compensation, the amount offered is usually a matter of negotiation, but it’s still subject to the airline’s published policy. It’s crucial to be aware of this policy before agreeing.

What if my flight is delayed, but I wasn’t denied boarding?

Compensation for delays that don’t involve denied boarding is less clear-cut. While airlines are generally not required to compensate passengers for delays caused by factors outside their control (e.g., severe weather), they may offer compensation based on their own policies. This might include meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, or alternative flight arrangements. However, this isn’t a guaranteed entitlement.

What can you do?

• Read the fine print: Before booking, review the airline’s Contract of Carriage to understand their policies regarding denied boarding and delays.

• Document everything: Keep records of your flight confirmation, boarding pass, delay notices, and any communication with the airline.

• File a complaint: If you feel the airline hasn’t met its obligations, file a complaint with the DOT. The DOT can investigate and may be able to help resolve disputes.

In conclusion, while airlines are legally obligated to compensate passengers for denied boarding resulting from overbooking, the exact amount isn’t federally mandated. Understanding airline-specific policies and your rights as a passenger is crucial for navigating the complexities of air travel and ensuring you receive fair compensation when things go wrong. Proactive research and meticulous record-keeping are your best allies in this process.