US Passenger Rights: Refunds, Bumping and Baggage
Applies to flights to, from and within the United States, enforced by the Department of Transportation.
Last checked: September 2026
When it applies
- A cancelled flight, or a significant change to your itinerary, where you choose not to travel: you are entitled to a refund to the original form of payment
- Involuntary denied boarding on an oversold flight: compensation depends on how late you arrive and your fare
- Delayed or damaged baggage on domestic flights: liability limits are set by regulation
When an airline can refuse
- There is no general right to compensation for a delayed flight in the United States
- Vouchers are not a substitute for a refund when you are entitled to one, but airlines may offer them first
- Weather and air traffic events are treated as outside the airline's control
Care while you wait
- Airlines publish their own commitments for meals and hotels during controllable disruptions, and the DOT holds them to those commitments
- Rebooking on the airline's own flights is standard, and some airlines rebook on other carriers
- Tarmac delay rules require food, water and the chance to leave the aircraft after set times
Deadlines and escalation
Refunds must be processed promptly once you are entitled to one. Baggage claims on international flights follow the Montreal Convention time limits.
Complain to the airline, then file with the DOT aviation consumer protection office if you are not satisfied.
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, and every situation is different. Always check the official airline or government information for your route before acting.