What airlines owe you when something goes wrong
— -- Murphy's Law could have been written with today's air travel industry in mind. From flight delays and oversold flights to missed connections and lost bags, it's the rare traveler who has the pleasure of a smooth airport experience. So what can you do when things go wrong? Use this guide to find out what the airlines owe you when something goes wrong.
Flight delays
Delays are the most common hassle for air travelers. Whether caused by weather, air-traffic control issues, or mechanical problems, many, many flights are affected by delays each day. Unfortunately, a carrier isn't required to compensate delayed passengers, especially if the delay is caused by factors beyond the airline's control.
If the delay is caused by a mechanical problem, you can try to secure a new flight by calling the airline's reservations phone number, but make sure you won't be penalized for changing your flight before you agree to take a different flight. Some airlines may pass out snacks and beverages during especially long delays, but they aren't federally required to do so.
Bumping
You've probably heard gate-area announcements offering free tickets and cash to passengers willing to take later flights. Such announcements are the result of an airline overselling a flight, a common practice in the industry.
Before passengers can be denied boarding involuntarily, or bumped, the airline must ask for volunteers. These volunteers are typically reimbursed for a portion of their ticket, and offered a free-flight voucher. Don't accept a voucher before asking about any restrictions it may have, such as an expiration date, blackout dates, or advance-purchase requirements.
If not enough passengers agree to be voluntarily bumped, the airline will begin to bump passengers involuntarily. The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates compensation for such situations. Currently, you aren't entitled to compensation if the new flight will get you to your destination within an hour of the scheduled time. But, if you arrive within two hours on a domestic flight or within four hours on an international flight, the airline owes you an amount equal to your one-way fare, with a maximum of $200. If you'll arrive more than two hours late on a domestic flight or more than four hours late on an international flight, or if the airline fails to make substitute arrangements for you, the airline must pay 200% of your fare, up to $400.
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