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Flight Delays - Passenger Rights and Compensation Claims
Flight delays today are frustrating and can ruin the start of a vacation. Fortunately, passengers have a certain level of legal security. While the US doesn’t have a unified compensation system like the EU, passengers do still have certain rights when it comes to flight delays and cancellations.
Airlines must provide support for long tarmac delays and offer refunds for canceled flights, and passengers may be eligible for compensation depending on the circumstances. Claims can be made either at the airport or directly with the airline after the trip.
Compensation Entitlement for Flight Delays
Flight Delay Compensation in the US
In the USA, there is no set compensation system for delayed flights today like in the EU for flight delays. However, passengers do have rights when it comes to significant delays and cancellations. For instance, if your flight is canceled or delayed significantly, you may be entitled to a refund or the option to rebook with the airline.
What You Can Expect for Delays
Unlike in Europe, where compensation is based on flight distance, US law focuses more on the length of the delay and the cause. If your late flight is delayed by more than three hours, you may be eligible for compensation. However, this is often at the airline’s discretion and based on their internal policies.
Conditions for Compensation
In the US, compensation for delayed flights is typically only required if the airline is responsible for the disruption. For example, airlines must compensate passengers for long tarmac delays (more than two hours for domestic flights or four hours for international). However, if the delay is due to “extraordinary circumstances” like severe weather or other factors beyond the airline’s control, compensation is not mandatory.
What to Do if You Miss a Connection
If your flight delay today causes you to miss a connecting flight, airlines often rebook you on the next available flight at no additional charge. Compensation in the form of cash or travel vouchers is not required, but some airlines may offer them as a goodwill gesture, particularly if the delay is extensive.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to keep track of the airline’s policies and keep receipts or any other documentation that can help if you need to file a claim.
Passenger Assistance and Meals During Delays in the US
While airlines are not required by law to provide meals or assistance during delays (unless it’s a long tarmac delay), many airlines will offer food vouchers or meal options if the delay is extended.
If the airline does not meet its duty of care and you need to purchase food or beverages yourself, keep your receipts and consider submitting them for reimbursement. Be sure to ask the airline for clarification on what assistance they will provide in such cases.
After a delay of two hours or more, airlines are not federally required to provide phone calls or emails, as in the EU, but many airlines will allow passengers to use their phones to contact loved ones or rebook their travel.
If the flight is delayed until the next day, passengers may be eligible for hotel accommodations, and the airline may also provide transportation to and from the hotel — although this is not a legal obligation and may vary by airline policy.
Refunds and Rebooking
If your flight is delayed by more than five hours, you have the right to request a full refund or be rebooked on another flight at no additional charge. Airlines are generally required to offer rebooking options on the next available flight, but compensation beyond that (such as additional refunds or vouchers) is discretionary.
If the delay is significant, be sure to document the reason for the delay (written confirmation from the airline) and keep all receipts for any additional costs incurred. If the airline does not offer satisfactory compensation, you can file a claim directly with the airline before considering legal action.
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