I was bumped from my flight. What am I owed?
Sources checked . Final review by Sean Williams pending.
If an airline bumps you from an oversold flight against your will, DOT rules usually entitle you to compensation based on your fare and delay. On domestic flights, a 1 to 2 hour arrival delay earns 200% of the one-way fare up to $1,075, and over 2 hours earns 400% up to $2,150.
| Arrival delay 0 to 1 hour | No compensation |
|---|---|
| Domestic, 1 to 2 hours late | 200% of one-way fare, airline may cap at $1,075 |
| Domestic, over 2 hours late | 400% of one-way fare, airline may cap at $2,150 |
| International departing the U.S., 1 to 4 hours late | 200% of one-way fare, cap $1,075 |
| International departing the U.S., over 4 hours late | 400% of one-way fare, cap $2,150 |
What should I do if I'm bumped?
- Ask the agent whether you are being denied boarding involuntarily, and ask for the written statement of your rights.
- Get the details of the alternative flight and its arrival time.
- Ask for compensation by check or cash; you can decline a voucher.
- Keep your boarding pass and receipts.
- If a cruise or tour depends on the flight, call the cruise line and your advisor.
How much compensation am I owed?
It depends on how late you arrive. For domestic flights, DOT rules give 200% of the one-way fare (airlines may cap it at $1,075) for a 1 to 2 hour arrival delay, and 400% (cap $2,150) for more than 2 hours. For international flights leaving the U.S., the thresholds are 1 to 4 hours and over 4 hours.
Volunteer if the airline's offer is worth more to you than arriving on time. Hold your seat if you are connecting to a cruise or event that will not wait.
When is no compensation owed?
When the airline gets you to your destination within 1 hour of your original arrival time, when you did not meet check-in or boarding deadlines, or in a few other cases set out in the regulation. See involuntary denied boarding.
What if the flight is cancelled instead?
Different rules apply. See what to do when your flight is cancelled.
Frequently asked questions
- How much do airlines pay if you get bumped?
- Under DOT rules, involuntarily bumped passengers get 200% of the one-way fare (up to $1,075) or 400% (up to $2,150), depending on how late the alternative flight gets you there.
- Can the airline pay me in vouchers?
- For involuntary bumping, DOT says you are entitled to compensation by check or cash. You can choose a voucher instead, but you do not have to.
- What if I volunteer to give up my seat?
- Volunteers negotiate their own compensation with the airline. Get the terms, including the new flight and any voucher limits, before you agree.
- Are there cases where bumped passengers get nothing?
- Yes. If the airline gets you to your destination within 1 hour of your original arrival, or you did not meet check-in requirements, no compensation is owed.
Sources
Founder, Egretline Travel ยท Tampa, Florida
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Talk to an Egretline advisor about being bumped from a flight