Flight Delay Compensation in the US: What You Are Owed

The US does not have a law equivalent to EU261 that requires airlines to pay fixed cash compensation for delays. What US law does require is more targeted: automatic cash refunds when a delay reaches a threshold that makes the flight materially different from what you purchased, and strict tarmac delay protections once you are onboard.

The 2024 DOT rule is your main tool. Under the rule, airlines must automatically issue cash refunds for cancellations and significant delays without requiring passengers to fight for them. If the airline offers a voucher, you can reject it and insist on cash.

For flights covered by EU261 (departing EU airports, or arriving at EU airports on EU carriers), you have both the DOT refund right and fixed EU261 compensation of up to 600 euros. See the EU261 guide for full coverage details.

The US DOT finalized its automatic refund rule in April 2024. Under the rule, airlines must automatically provide cash refunds (not vouchers, not credits) when:

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  A flight is cancelled for any reason.

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  A domestic flight is delayed by 3 or more hours from its scheduled departure.

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  An international flight is delayed by 6 or more hours from its scheduled departure.

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  The departure or arrival airport changes from what was originally ticketed.

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  The number of connections increases.

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  You are downgraded to a lower class of service than you paid for.

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  A connection airport change causes you to miss a connection at that airport.

You do not have to ask. The rule requires airlines to initiate refunds automatically. If you are not seeing a refund within the required timeframe, that is a violation you can report to the DOT Aviation Consumer Protection Division.

Under 14 CFR Part 259, airlines operating in the US must comply with strict tarmac delay limits. After 3 hours on the tarmac (domestic) or 4 hours (international), the airline must offer passengers the option to deplane, subject to safety and air traffic control.

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  Airlines must provide food and water after 2 hours on the tarmac.

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  Working lavatories and necessary medical attention must be available throughout.

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  Airlines that violate the tarmac rule face civil penalties of up to $41,484 per affected passenger.

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  If you are not offered the option to deplane after 3 or 4 hours, document the time and file a report with the DOT.

Beyond the refund and tarmac rules, airline obligations during a delay depend on their customer service plans, which airlines are required to publish and adhere to. Most major US carriers commit to providing meals after a 3-hour controllable delay and hotel accommodation for controllable overnight delays.

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  Meal vouchers: Delta, United, and American provide meal vouchers for delays of 3 or more hours caused by factors within their control. Weather delays typically do not trigger this commitment.

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  Hotel accommodation: For controllable overnight delays, most major carriers commit to hotel accommodation. Budget carriers may not. Check your airline's customer service plan before flying.

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  Rebooking: Airlines must rebook you on the next available flight to your destination at no additional charge when they are responsible for the delay.

Weather delays reduce airline obligations. During weather delays, you still have the refund right if the delay crosses the threshold, but meal and hotel obligations under customer service plans often do not apply.

If your flight is significantly delayed and you choose not to travel, follow these steps to claim your refund.

1. 1

   Document the delay. Screenshot the flight status, note the time you were notified, and keep your boarding pass. FlightAware records are useful evidence if you need to escalate later.

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   Decide whether to travel or cancel. Once the delay reaches 3 hours domestic or 6 hours international, you have the right to a full refund. You do not have to accept a later flight.

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   Request the refund through the airline's website or app. Most major airlines have a refund request form. Specify that you are requesting a cash refund under the 2024 DOT automatic refund rule.

4. 4

   Reject voucher offers. If the airline offers travel credit or a voucher, you are not required to accept it. Decline and re-request a cash refund.

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   Monitor your refund timeline. Airlines must process refunds within 7 business days for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for cash or check.

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   File a DOT complaint if the refund is denied or delayed. Use the Aviation Consumer Protection Division complaint form. DOT complaints create a formal record and airlines typically respond.

For a detailed walk-through, see our airline refund guide. TravelStacks files US DOT refund claims for $19 flat, no percentage taken. Start your claim to check eligibility.

If the airline refuses your refund request or does not respond within the required timeframe, you have two reliable escalation paths.

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  DOT complaint: File at transportation.gov/airconsumer. The DOT tracks complaints by airline and uses them for enforcement. Airlines are legally required to respond.

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  Credit card chargeback: If you paid by credit card, dispute the charge as a service not rendered. File the chargeback within 60-120 days of the original charge depending on your card network.

For missed connection rights caused by a delay, see our missed connection guide. For denied boarding on the same trip, see our denied boarding guide.

TravelStacks handles US DOT delay refund claims for $19 flat. Start your claim to check if your delay qualifies.