How Much Is Involuntary Denied Boarding Compensation?
Involuntary denied boarding compensation amount: up to $1,075 short delays, $2,150 long delays under the January 2025 DOT cap. EU261 pays €250 to €600.
The DOT Formula
US DOT IDB compensation is a multiplier on one-way fare, capped. Multiplier and cap depend on rebooked arrival time at final destination. The involuntary denied boarding compensation amount ranges from $0 (within 1 hour) to $2,150 (long delay or no rebooking).
DOT Tiers
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0-1 hour late: $0.
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1-2 hours domestic / 1-4 hours international: 200% fare, cap $1,075.
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Over 2 hours domestic / 4 hours international: 400% fare, cap $2,150.
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No rebooking: full refund plus max $2,150.
January 2025 cap increase moved $1,550/$1,950 to $1,075/$2,150. Some airline docs still reference old numbers.
One-Way Fare Calculation
Round-trip: one-way is half. Multi-city: specific leg. Awards: cash value at booking (taxes and fees, usually below cap). Example: $200 one-way, 2.5 hours late = 400% × $200 = $800. Example: $800 one-way, 2.5 hours late = $3,200 capped at $2,150. See denied boarding rights 2026 guide.
EU261 Fixed Amounts
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Under 1,500 km: €250 per passenger.
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1,500-3,500 km: €400.
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Over 3,500 km EU-non-EU: €600.
Fare-independent. €50 budget fare pays €600 long-haul. See denied boarding on a European flight EU261 amounts.
UK261
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Under 1,500 km: £220.
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1,500-3,500 km: £350.
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Over 3,500 km: £520.
Rights On Top
Cash is on top of rebooking, refund, or duty of care. Do not accept "compensation OR rebooking." Rule grants both. See denied boarding after upgrade offer tricks to watch for and airline says you missed boarding cutoff when you are still owed.
File Your Claim
Check your flight. For the framework, see the denied boarding compensation guide.