Your Rights as a US Airline Passenger
The DOT protects passengers on all flights departing from or arriving in the US. Airlines must follow these rules regardless of what their own policies say.
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Canceled flights — you're entitled to a full cash refund
If your flight is canceled, you are entitled to a full cash refund of your ticket price — no exceptions. Airlines often lead with vouchers or travel credits because most people accept them without questioning. You are not required to accept a voucher. This applies even to non-refundable tickets. If the airline cancels, the contract terms shift in your favor.
Significant delays — a newer rule most passengers don't know
DOT now requires airlines to issue refunds for significant delays: generally 3+ hours for domestic flights and 6+ hours for international flights. This rule was strengthened in 2024 and airlines are required to proactively offer the refund — you shouldn't have to fight for it. If your flight was significantly delayed and you chose not to travel, you are owed a refund of the unused portion of your ticket.
Denied boarding (involuntary bumping) — up to $1,950 cash
If you are involuntarily bumped from an oversold flight, airlines must pay you cash compensation — not a voucher. The amount depends on how long the airline delays your arrival:
1–2 hour delay
Up to $775
200% of one-way fare
2+ hour delay
Up to $1,950
400% of one-way fare
International
Up to $1,950
Same rules apply
Tarmac delays — airlines must let you deplane
Airlines cannot keep you on the tarmac for more than 3 hours on a domestic flight or 4 hours on an international flight without giving you the option to deplane. If they violate this rule, you may have grounds for a DOT complaint. Airlines face significant fines for tarmac delay violations — they take this rule seriously.
Delayed, damaged, or lost baggage — up to $3,800
Airlines are liable for delayed, damaged, or lost baggage on domestic flights up to $3,800 per passenger. For international flights, the Montreal Convention applies with different limits. You must file a claim with the airline promptly — ideally before leaving the airport. Keep receipts for any expenses caused by delayed baggage (e.g., buying essentials while waiting).
What airlines don't want you to know
Airlines offer vouchers first because studies show most passengers accept them without asking for cash. A $300 travel credit costs the airline far less than $300 in cash — credits expire, have restrictions, and get forgotten. You almost always have the right to cash instead. Airlines are legally required to tell you this if you ask, but they are not required to lead with it. Ask for cash.
How TravelStacks helps
TravelStacks checks your flight eligibility automatically, tells you exactly what you're owed under DOT rules, and handles the entire claim process. We charge a $19 flat fee for refund and reimbursement claims, and 25% for denied boarding compensation — only if we recover something. No win, no fee.
Check My Flight — FreeUS DOT passenger rights — frequently asked questions
Can I get a refund for a delayed flight?
Yes, in many cases. DOT now requires airlines to provide refunds for significant delays — generally 3+ hours for domestic flights and 6+ hours for international flights — if you choose not to travel as a result. The refund must be in cash (or the original payment method), not a voucher. This is a newer rule strengthened in 2024 that many passengers are unaware of.
What if the airline only offers a voucher?
You are not required to accept a voucher for a canceled flight or a significant delay. You have the legal right to a cash refund (or refund to your original payment method). Politely decline the voucher, explicitly request a cash refund, and note the name of the agent you spoke to. If the airline refuses, file a DOT complaint — or let TravelStacks handle it for you.
How much can I get for being bumped from a flight?
DOT mandates cash compensation for involuntary bumping. If your replacement flight arrives 1–2 hours late on a domestic flight (or 1–4 hours on an international flight), you're owed 200% of your one-way fare, up to $775. If you arrive more than 2 hours late domestically (or 4+ hours internationally), you're owed 400% of your one-way fare, up to $1,950. This must be paid in cash immediately — not a voucher.
How long do I have to file a claim?
DOT does not set a fixed statute of limitations for refund claims, but acting quickly is always better. Most airlines have internal deadlines of 1–2 years for refund requests. For denied boarding compensation, you should request payment on the day of travel. TravelStacks can check eligibility for flights going back 1 to 6 years depending on the claim type and airline.
Does this apply to international flights?
US DOT rules apply to all flights departing from a US airport, regardless of the airline or destination. For flights arriving in the US from abroad, rules vary by airline and route. International departures from the EU or UK are also covered by EU261 or UK261, which may provide additional compensation. TravelStacks checks all applicable regulations for your specific flight.
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