Stuck at the Airport? Here’s How to Get Compensation for a Delayed Flight

Delays during flights are a sad but very normal occurrence among air travelers. Delays may be due to weather conditions, technical problems, or any other reason and may ruin your travel plans to a great extent. Although the U.S. does not impose as strict laws as other areas, the delayed flight compensation is possible to obtain. Knowing what you are entitled to and what you should do can make the difference in ensuring you obtain the compensation you deserve, not only when you are on a delayed flight, but also when you have a cancelled flight and other flight delays.

Let’s understand more about the flight compensation process, how to know whether you are entitled to claim flight compensation, and how to increase your chances of getting compensated when your flight is delayed in the U.S.

What You Need to Know About Flight Delays and Cancellations

The knowledge about flight delays and cancellations can help you a lot to file for compensation. 

1. Domestic Flight Delays in the U.S.

Unlike the European Union, where compensation for delayed flights is regulated by law, the U.S. regulations are more lenient. Airlines in the U.S., in most cases, are not obligated to compensate passengers in case of delay unless it is due to the fault of the airline company (technical issues or lack of crew). Nevertheless, there are certain situations when you can be compensated.

Overbooking: In case you are involuntarily denied boarding because of overbooking, you can claim compensation.

Cancelled Flights: If your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to a refund or re-booking in the next available flight. Flight compensation can be applicable in case of cancellation that falls under the control of the airline.

Delays: In case the delay takes more than a specific period (usually 3 hours or more in the case of domestic flights), you can seek help, but delayed flights are not necessarily compensated unless the delay was caused by something within the airline’s control.

2. International Flight Compensation Under the Montreal Convention

In case of international flights, the Montreal Convention is applicable. This international agreement regulates the liability of airlines regarding aspects such as flight compensation in case of delays, cancellations, and baggage issues. The Montreal Convention:

• Delay Compensation: In case your international flight is delayed by more than 3 hours, the airlines might be entitled to pay you compensation depending on the cause of the delay.
• Cancellations and Refunds: In case of the cancellation of your international flight, you have the right to choose between a refund and rebooking, and compensation can be provided in some situations.

What to Do If Your Flight is Delayed or Canceled: A Step-by-Step Guide

In case your flight is delayed or canceled, these are the steps to take to ensure that you are likely to receive delayed flight compensation or cancelled flight compensation.

1. Keep Detailed Records

To support your claim for flight compensation, it’s important to document everything during the delay:

• Flight Information: You should note your flight number, the time of departure and arrival, and the actual time once the flight is delayed.
• Airline Communication: Monitor any emails, text messages, or notifications that you receive about the delay. A lot of airlines issue notifications regarding flight status changes.
• Receipts: In case you have to pay any extra expenses because of the delay, receipts for food, hotel, or transportation may be very useful to support your case.

2. Contact Airline Customer Service

Once you have documented the situation, the next step is to reach out to the airline’s customer service:

• Enquire on Compensation: Politely enquire whether you can be compensated for delayed flights. Although the U.S. law does not mandate compensation for all delays, some airlines provide relief to the delaying passengers by offering meal vouchers, hotel accommodation, or travel vouchers in cases of prolonged delays.
• Ask to be rebooked: In case the delay causes you to miss your connecting flight or your next flight, request the airline to rebook you on the next flight without paying extra fees.
• Ask About Meal Vouchers: In case of delays over several hours, airlines usually offer meal vouchers or reimbursements to the passengers. Enquire whether this can be done in your situation.

3. File a Complaint with the Department of Transportation (DOT)

If you’re not satisfied with the airline’s response or if they refuse to offer delayed flight compensation, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Here’s how to do it:

• Access the Aviation Consumer Protection Division Website of the DOT: You can send your complaint online, and the DOT will research the case.
• Present Related Documents: Include flight information, receipts for expenses, and communication with the airline.
• Follow Up: The DOT will address your complaint, and they can act as a mediator between you and the airline to solve the problem. This might be time-consuming, but it will make sure that your complaint is taken seriously.

4. Legal Action: Small Claims Court and Other Avenues

If the airline is unresponsive or unwilling to compensate you fairly, you may need to take legal action:

• Small Claims Court: In case the amount of compensation is less than a certain sum (it varies between $1,500 and $5,000 in different states), you can sue in small claims court. This alternative is less costly and faster than the conventional lawsuit.
• Talk to a Lawyer: In more complicated cases, you might want to talk to a lawyer who specializes in aviation law or consumer rights. An attorney will assist you in getting an idea of whether your case will be successful or not and will lead you through the legal process.

What are the Airline Specific Policies of Compensation

The compensation of delayed flights varies with different airlines. The following are what you can expect of some of the major U.S. carriers:

Delta Airlines

Delta has been recognized as a company with good customer service and has a good compensation system for passengers whose flights are delayed or canceled:

• More than three hours delay: Delta will provide meal vouchers and even hotel stays in case of a serious delay.
• Rebooking: Delta usually provides you with a free rebooking opportunity when your flight is delayed or canceled, and you have to take the following one.

American Airlines

American Airlines belongs to the number of the largest carriers in the U.S., and it does not always provide compensation for delays of less than 3 hours, but its policies are rather customer-friendly:

• Cancellations: In case of cancellation of your flight, American Airlines will either rebook you in the next flight or refund your money fully.
• Customer Service: In case of long delays, American Airlines usually provides vouchers to buy meals and free rebooking of connecting flights.

United Airlines

United Airlines offers compensation on delayed flights and helps passengers who have to cope with the disruptions:

• Flight Delay Compensation: In case of a more than four-hour delay, United Airlines can provide meal vouchers, hotel accommodation, or travel credits.
• Rebooking: United will also provide free rebooking of connecting flights in case you are delayed to miss your original connection.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest is also famous by its flexible policies, particularly in situations of flight delay or cancellation:

• No Change Fees: Southwest Airlines does not charge any change fee in case your delay results in an inconvenience to your travel plan.
• Meal Vouchers: Southwest has meal vouchers in case you are stuck somewhere for several hours, and they will rebook you on the next flight free of charge.

How to Maximize Your Chances of Receiving Compensation

Although you may not always be entitled to flight compensation in case of delays or cancellations, there are some tactics that will help you increase your chances of obtaining it:

1. Be Nice and Insistent

The attitude of politeness and persistence is helpful with customer service representatives. When the representative is not in a position to provide compensation, request to talk to a supervisor who may be in a position to address your problem.

2. Make Social Media Work to Your Favor

A lot of airlines are very responsive on social media like Twitter and Facebook. Airlines tend to respond faster to the complaints made by people on social media. When contacting through social media, ensure that you give all the necessary flight information and indicate the problem.

3. Learn Your Rights and Airline Policies

The more you understand your rights and the policies of the airline, the more you will be ready to claim the compensation. Before you make a claim, get acquainted with the particular compensation for delayed flights policies of the airline.

Conclusion

Flight delays and cancellations are stressful, but you have rights and should know the correct actions to take to ensure that you are compensated for the inconvenience caused. The U.S. laws do not offer as much protection as the EU laws, but airlines are obliged to provide some form of compensation in case of delays, cancellations, and other disruptions.

Always remember that it is essential to document, be insistent in communication, and escalate the matter in case of need. Be it a delayed flight compensation claim or the need to claim flight cancellation compensation, being aware and taking the initiative is the way to go in ensuring that you get what you are entitled to.

These steps will ensure that you are not subjected to the frustration of flight delay and that you get the compensation that you deserve. For instant flight bookings, you can contact us. Here you can get amazing deals on flight bookings. Travel smart and tension-free with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have a right to be compensated for a delayed flight in the U.S.?

Generally, the U.S. airlines do not have a legal obligation to pay passengers when their flights are delayed unless the delay was due to something that the airline could control, such as mechanical problems or a lack of crew. Nevertheless, in cases of prolonged delays, airlines can provide vouchers for meals or hotels or travel vouchers at their own will. When a passenger is overbooked, compensation is more regulated when they are forced not to board.

2. What should I do right now, in case my flight is delayed?

Note down your flight number, departure time, and the cause of delay (in case it is given). Keep all the messages of the airline and retain receipts of any additional costs such as food, transport, or accommodation. Next, call the customer service of the airline to inquire about rebooking or compensation.

3. Will I be refunded in case of delay or cancellation of my flight?

In case of a flight cancellation, and you do not want to travel, then you can get a full refund, even on non-refundable tickets. In case of a major delay in your flight, you may also be entitled to a refund based on the circumstances and the airline’s policy. Check the official site of the airline or always ask the airline itself about the specific rules of refunding.

4. Does the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) assist in matters of compensation?

Yes. In case an airline denies you reasonable compensation or fails to address your grievance properly, you can complain with the DOT through its Aviation Consumer Protection site. The DOT checks complaints and may act as an intermediary between you and the airline to resolve the problem.

5. Can I sue a flight in small claims court over a delayed or canceled flight?

Yes. In case you think the airline should compensate you (say, because of additional costs or inadequate treatment of your delay) and the airline is unresponsive, you may file a lawsuit in small claims court. The limit of claims varies per state, with most states having a limit of between $1,500 and 5,000. Small claims court does not require a lawyer, although documentation is beneficial to your case.