Airline Passenger Bill of Rights: What Exists and What Doesn't
There is no single 'Airline Passenger Bill of Rights' in the US, despite common perception. What exists is a patchwork of DOT regulations, airline commitments, and EU/UK laws. Here is what actually protects you.
What Exists in the US
The US does not have a single "Passenger Bill of Rights" law. Instead, passenger protections come from several sources.
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DOT Final Refund Rule (2024): Automatic refunds for cancelled and significantly delayed flights.
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Tarmac delay rule: 3-hour deplaning rule with food, water, and update requirements.
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Denied boarding compensation: Up to $1,550 for involuntary bumping.
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Airline Customer Service Dashboard: Voluntary commitments by airlines for meals, hotels, and rebooking.
For detailed DOT rights, see our US DOT rights guide. For the 2024 rule changes, read our rule changes guide.
What Exists in the EU
EU261 is the closest thing to a comprehensive passenger bill of rights. It provides fixed compensation (€250 to €600), duty of care (meals, hotel), and choice between refund and rebooking. UK261 provides identical protections for UK flights.
EU261 is significantly stronger than US protections. EU passengers get fixed compensation based on distance (up to €600), regardless of fault. US passengers get refunds and tarmac delay protections, but no distance-based fixed compensation. This is why filing EU261 claims is so valuable for US residents who fly to/from Europe.
What Does NOT Exist
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No US right to meals during delays (only airline voluntary commitments).
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No US right to hotel rooms for weather delays (only for controllable delays at committed airlines).
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No US fixed compensation for delays (unlike EU261's €250-€600).
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No federal right to seat together as a family (only proposed legislation).
For what you ARE entitled to, see our DOT rights guide and EU261 guide. For the refund process, see our walkthrough. Check your flight for eligibility.