US air passenger rights: refunds and bumping compensation.
The United States has no EU-style fixed cash compensation for delays. Instead, US Department of Transportation rules focus on refunds for cancelled or significantly changed flights and on compensation when passengers are involuntarily bumped.
Checked by the FlightCompensations editorial team
Last updated 1 July 2026 · Editorial & corrections policy
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Key takeaways
- The US has no fixed cash compensation scheme for delays, unlike EU261 or UK261.
- DOT rules require a prompt refund when a flight is cancelled or significantly changed and you choose not to travel.
- Refunds must be given in the original form of payment, not just as travel vouchers, when you are entitled to one.
- Involuntary denied boarding (bumping) on oversold flights carries set compensation, up to statutory caps.
- Care such as meals or hotels during delays generally depends on each airline's own customer service commitments.
- The DOT handles complaints; for international journeys the Montreal Convention may also apply to baggage and delay losses.
What qualifies — and what usually doesn't
May qualify for compensation
- Your flight was operated by an airline subject to US DOT rules (typically flights to, from or within the United States).
- For a refund, your flight was cancelled or significantly changed and you chose not to accept the alternative offered.
- For denied-boarding compensation, you were bumped involuntarily from an oversold flight after complying with check-in and boarding requirements.
- You held a confirmed reservation on the affected flight.
Usually excluded
- Fixed cash compensation simply for a delay, which US rules do not provide.
- Situations where you voluntarily gave up your seat in exchange for agreed benefits (that is a negotiated deal, not statutory bumping compensation).
- Cases where the airline gets you to your destination within the short time windows that reduce or remove bumping compensation.
- Care expenses during delays where the airline's own commitments do not cover them.
- Denied boarding for reasons such as safety, security or failure to meet the airline's conditions of carriage.
Rights by jurisdiction
Under DOT rules, if your flight is cancelled or significantly changed and you choose not to travel on the alternative offered, you are entitled to a prompt refund of the unused portion of your ticket.
Refunds must be provided in the original form of payment rather than only as a voucher or credit, unless you accept an alternative, and they extend to certain ancillary fees for services you did not receive.
What to do
- 1Keep your reservation confirmation and any cancellation or schedule-change notice.
- 2If offered a voucher after a cancellation, you can ask for a refund to your original payment method instead where you are entitled to one.
- 3If you are bumped involuntarily, ask the airline for a written statement of your denied-boarding rights.
- 4Keep receipts for any expenses and note your rebooked arrival time.
- 5Check your eligibility and, if needed, file a complaint with the airline and the DOT.
Documents to keep
How to claim
- 1Enter your flight and journey details to get a preliminary assessment.
- 2Add your booking, any cancellation or bumping notice, and receipts.
- 3We help you request the refund or compensation from the airline and follow up.
- 4If a payment is recovered, you receive the airline's award and pay our fixed €39 fee.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get compensation for a delayed flight in the US?
There is no fixed cash compensation for delays under US rules. What you receive during a delay generally depends on the airline's own customer service commitments. For cancelled or significantly changed flights you may be entitled to a refund, and involuntary bumping carries separate compensation.
When am I entitled to a refund?
DOT rules require a prompt refund when your flight is cancelled or significantly changed and you choose not to accept the alternative offered. The refund should be in your original form of payment, not just a voucher, unless you agree otherwise.
How much is bumping compensation?
For involuntary denied boarding on an oversold flight, compensation is based on how long the delay to your arrival is and your fare, up to the statutory caps set by the DOT. Very short delays to arrival can reduce or remove the amount, so the exact figure depends on the circumstances.
Does EU261 ever apply to US flights?
It can. A flight departing the EU, or arriving in the EU on an EU carrier, may be covered by EU261 even if it involves the US. For international trips the Montreal Convention may also apply to baggage and delay losses.
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