Flyers’ Bill of Rights

First, the most important right: If any airline cancels your flight for ANY reason, you’re entitled by law to a full refund of your ticket price, taxes, baggage fees, any extra charges and ancillary fees. Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds promptly — if that’s what you want.

Airlines must issue the refund within seven business days if you paid by credit card and within 20 days if you paid by cash or check. There is no refund timeline for third-party ticket agents.

If you learn your flight is canceled or will be significantly delayed or changed and you find a flight on another airline with available seats, you can ask the first airline to transfer your ticket to the second airline at no cost to you.

Airlines aren’t required to do this if the disruption wasn’t their fault, but many will if you ask nicely. A transfer could save you a significant amount of money compared with buying a new ticket, because tickets often become more expensive closer to the departure date.

You have additional rights if your flight is canceled or significantly delayed for reasons within the airline’s control, such as staffing or equipment issues. Six of the 10 will rebook you on another airline at no charge. Some will pay for hotels, meals, etc. You can’t count on the airline offering this to you unless you ask.

If you’re involuntarily bumped, airlines must provide you with a list of your rights and compensate you according to how long your flight will be delayed.

DELAY COMPENSATION

Less than 1 hour None

1-2 hours (Domestic) 200% of your one-way fare up to $775

1-4 hours (International) 200% of your one-way fare up to $775

Over 2 hours (Domestic) 400% of your one-way fare up to $1,550

Over 4 hours (International) 400% of your one-way fare up to $1,550

Airlines have to provide medical attention and working bathrooms the entire time the plane is on the tarmac. After two hours, you must have food and water. After three hours, you must be in the air or back in the airport—or the airline faces massive fines.

If your flight is delayed more than 30 minutes, airlines must give you regular updates.

If your bag is delayed overnight, most airlines set guidelines that allow their employees to  reimburse you for some emergency expenses.

Airlines must refund any checked baggage fees, and reimburse you for the lost items up to $3,800.

Airlines are required to give you information on how to file complaints. Airlines need to acknowledge written complaints within 30 days and respond within 60 days.

If you don’t get satisfaction from an airline, file an official complaint with the FAA.

To file a complaint against an airline, an airport or a ticket agent, go to https://airconsumer.dot.gov/escomplaint/ConsumerForm.cfm

For other information about passenger rights, go to https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer

Tips before you book your next airline flight