Part 1 Compensation for Flight Delays and Overbookings

If you are an air traveler, any flight that you take can be delayed for any number of reasons, for example due to weather or mechanical problems. In most cases, the delay does not cause any hardship. However, there are times when the delays can lead to missed connections, unexpected overnight stays in the airport, or other significant inconveniences. Airlines that fly in the U.S. are not legally obligated to provide any compensation for a delayed passenger. They are however, required to compensate passengers who have a reservation but are denied boarding, also known as getting bumped from the flight.

This is in contrast to airlines that fly in the European Union, which are required to compensate passengers who are bumped, as well as passengers who experience many types of delays and flight cancellations. No matter where you fly, you should make the effort to become familiar both with what an airline is required by law to provide in the way of compensation, your airline's policies on compensating passengers, and how you may be able to negotiate for additional compensation.

Delays and Cancellations for Domestic u.S. Flights

For domestic U.S. Flights, there are no U.S. federal regulations that require any compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight. However, keep in mind that each airline may have a policy for compensating passengers whose flights are delayed or cancelled, and those policies may include compensations such as meals, hotel rooms, or phone calls. The airline may also arrange an alternate flight on another aircraft on either the same airline or with a different airline. These policies are either included with the paperwork associated with your ticket, or are available from an airline representative. Before you travel, you may want to review the airline's policies to see what compensation may be offered in the event of a delay or a cancellation.

Delays Involving Unaccompanied Minors

If there is an unaccompanied minor traveling, you should absolutely check with the airline before the trip. As is the case with all delays and cancellations involving domestic U.S. flights, there are no U.S. federal requirements for any special services or compensation for unaccompanied minors on a delayed or cancelled flight. At the very least, you should have an alternative plan in place to deal with the possibility of the child being delayed overnight or arriving at the destination airport well after the expected time. Additional resources on airline rules for unaccompanied minors at http://www.airsafe.com/kidsafe/kidrules.htm

Delays and Cancellations for non-u.S. Domestic Flights

Rules for compensation for delayed and cancelled flights will depend on the rules of that country and the rules of the airline. As is the case with domestic flights in the U.S., if you are traveling on a domestic flight in another country, at the very least you should review the policies or regulations of that airline to see what compensation you can expect in the event of a delay or a cancellation.