Whether you’re a frequent flyer or you only get on an airplane once in a blue moon, you should be aware of all that you’re entitled to as an airline passenger. Knowing your airline passenger bill of rights will help you feel more at ease when something unexpected occurs at the airport or on the airplane.
These basic airline passenger rights, or “fly rights,” cover areas such as ticket pricing, baggage issues, tickets and delayed and canceled flights. They’re enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Get to know them and keep the knowledge handy for the next time you travel by air.
Ticket Pricing
When you pay for a flight ticket, you should know the full cost of the ticket – including government taxes and fees – as part of the DOT’sfull fare advertising rule. You also have a right to know about all fees pertaining to baggage, meals, reservation changes, cancellations and advanced or upgraded seating before your flight.
Ticket Changes and Cancellations
As part of the airline passenger bill of rights, airlines must let you change or cancel your reservation within 24 hours of booking without charging a fee. But be sure to read the fine print. A non-refundable ticket could become refundable if the airline is the direct reason for your cancellation, such a nonstop flight being converted into a connecting flight.
Delayed and Canceled Flights
There are no federal requirements for compensation regarding delayed or canceled flights. So be sure to check your airline’s policies – listed under “contracts of carriage” – to see what you’re entitled to when your flight is delayed, such as meal vouchers or free hotel accommodations for overnight delays.
If you’re stuck on the tarmac during the delay, airlines must give passengers food and water no more than two hours after the delay begins and keep the bathrooms operational. Theymust also let passengers off the aircraft within three hours for domestic flights and four hours for international flights, provided that there are no safety, security or airport operations repercussions.
Keep in mind, though, that if you get off the plane during a tarmac delay, the airline doesn’t have to let you back on or take your luggage off the plane.
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Bumping
If you volunteered to give up your seat on an overbooked flight, you’re entitled to rewards such as vouchers for future travel, a hotel stay or even cash. Be sure to communicate with the airline for specific rewards.
But say you were involuntarily bumped from your flight. You have the right to ask the airline to explain your rights in a written document, detailing how the airline decides who does or doesn’t get to stay on the flight. Your ticket may be used on another flight or you can request an involuntary refund for it. You are also entitled to compensation (although there are exceptions). Bumped passengers can get as much as double the price of their tickets.
Lost Bags
Airlines are required to pay passengers for loss of, damage to or delay in receiving their baggage. Additionally, if a bag is lost, airlines are required to refund any fees associated with it.
Traveling With Disabilities
If you have a disability, you generally don’t need to notify the airline ahead of time. But if the airline needs to make certain accommodations, you may be required to give a notice 48 hours before your flight. Additionally, you may employ an off-duty crew member or a volunteer as your attendant for the duration.
Filing Complaints
You have the right to file a complaint with the airline and the DOT. Complaints should be made after the flight has ended unless the they relate to emergency situations.
Learn more about your Fly Rights.
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