Denied Boarding Compensation

When a flight is oversold, airlines must first ask for volunteers, who negotiate their own deal, often a travel voucher. If too few volunteer and you are bumped against your will despite holding a confirmed reservation and checking in on time, US Department of Transportation rules require compensation, with limited exceptions such as very small aircraft.

The amount depends on how late the airline’s substitute flight gets you to your destination. Arrive within an hour of your original time and nothing is owed. Longer delays bring a multiple of your one-way fare, 200% or 400% depending on the delay and whether the flight is domestic or international, up to dollar caps DOT adjusts for inflation. You can insist on payment by check or cash rather than a voucher, and the airline must give you a written statement of your rights. Check current figures at transportation.gov.

Volunteering is a different transaction: accept the airline’s offer and the required compensation no longer applies. Flights from the EU fall under separate European rules; see our flight delay and cancellation rights guide.