Flight Delayed or Canceled? Here's Exactly What You're Owed

Airlines Bank on Your Ignorance

Every day, thousands of passengers are owed compensation they never claim. Airlines don't volunteer this information—you have to know your rights and ask.

This guide covers what you're owed and exactly how to claim it.

Your Rights by Situation

Canceled Flights (US Domestic)

Airlines must provide:

• Full refund (to original payment method, not just voucher)
• Rebooking on next available flight (at no additional cost)
• Rebooking on another airline (if significant delay, though not always guaranteed)

New DOT rules (2024+) require:

• Automatic refunds for significant delays (3+ hours domestic, 6+ international)
• Refund of unused services (checked bags, seat selection, WiFi)

Canceled Flights (To/From EU)

Under EU261 regulation, you're owed:

• Full refund OR rebooking
• PLUS cash compensation:

This applies to:

• Any flight departing from EU (any airline)
• Flights arriving in EU on EU-based airlines

Delayed Flights

US Domestic: No federal compensation required for delays (only for tarmac delays over 3 hours). EU Flights: Compensation kicks in at:

• 3+ hours delay: Full compensation (same as cancellation)
• 2+ hours delay: Meals and refreshments

Involuntary Bumping (Oversold Flight)

If you're denied boarding due to overbooking:

US DOT Requirements: Important: Don't sign anything giving up your rights. You're entitled to cash, not just vouchers.

Tarmac Delays

Airlines must:

• Return to gate after 3 hours (domestic) or 4 hours (international)
• Provide food, water, and working toilets during the wait
• Allow deplaning opportunity

Lost or Damaged Baggage

• Domestic flights: Up to $3,800 (actual value, not arbitrary)
• International flights: Up to ~$1,750 (Montreal Convention)
• Airlines must reimburse reasonable expenses while bag is delayed

How to Claim Compensation

Step 1: Document Everything

During the disruption:

• Take photos of departure boards
• Screenshot flight status in app
• Save boarding passes
• Get written confirmation of delay/cancellation reason
• Keep all receipts for expenses

Step 2: Ask at the Airport

At the gate or customer service desk:

"My flight has been [canceled/delayed X hours]. I'd like to know what compensation I'm entitled to under [DOT regulations/EU261]. Can you provide that in writing, along with meal vouchers and hotel accommodation if needed?"

Step 3: File a Formal Claim

Within 7 days of the incident (sooner is better):

Go to airline's website → Customer service → Compensation claims

Submit all documentation

Be specific about what you're claiming

Step 4: Follow Up Aggressively

Airlines often:

• Ignore first request
• Offer vouchers instead of cash
• Claim "extraordinary circumstances"

Respond firmly:

"I am requesting cash compensation as required by law, not travel vouchers. My flight [details] was delayed/canceled due to [reason they gave], which does not qualify as an extraordinary circumstance under EU261/DOT regulations. Please process my claim within 14 days or I will escalate to the relevant aviation authority."

Claim Letter Template

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[Your Name] [Your Address] [Email] [Phone]

[Date]

[Airline] Customer Relations [Address or email]

RE: Compensation Claim - Flight [Number], [Date]

Dear Customer Relations,

I am writing to claim compensation for flight [number] from [origin] to [destination] on [date], which was [canceled/delayed by X hours].

Flight Details:

• Flight Number: [XX123]
• Date: [Date]
• Scheduled Departure: [Time]
• Actual Departure/Cancellation: [Time/Details]
• Booking Reference: [ABC123]
• Passenger Name(s): [Names]

Reason Given: [What the airline told you] Compensation Requested:

• [€250/€400/€600] per passenger under EU Regulation 261/2004

OR

• [Amount] under DOT regulations for involuntary denied boarding

[If applicable:]

• Reimbursement for meals: $[X] (receipts attached)
• Reimbursement for hotel: $[X] (receipt attached)
• Reimbursement for transportation: $[X] (receipt attached)

Total Claimed: [Amount]

Under [EU261/DOT regulations], airlines must compensate passengers for [cancellations/delays over 3 hours/denied boarding] unless caused by extraordinary circumstances. [Weather at origin/Mechanical issues/Crew scheduling] does not qualify as extraordinary circumstances as it is within the airline's control.

Please process this claim within 14 days. If I do not receive a satisfactory response, I will file a complaint with [EU National Enforcement Body/DOT Aviation Consumer Protection Division].

I have attached:

• Booking confirmation
• Boarding pass
• Photos of delay/cancellation notice
• Receipts for expenses

Sincerely, [Your Name]

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Phone Script for Compensation

"Hi, I'm calling about a flight disruption. My flight [number] on [date] was [canceled/delayed X hours], and I'd like to file a compensation claim.

[If they offer vouchers:] I appreciate the offer, but I'm entitled to cash compensation under [DOT regulations/EU261], not travel vouchers. I'd like cash refunded to my original payment method.

[If they claim weather:] What was the official reason for the delay logged in your system? Weather at my departure airport was clear according to records, so I don't believe extraordinary circumstances apply.

[If they resist:] I'd like to file a formal complaint. Can you give me a case number? I'll also be escalating this to the DOT/relevant aviation authority."

When Airlines Push Back

"It Was Weather"

Check if it actually was:

• Look up historical weather at departure/arrival airports
• Weather at a different airport doesn't count
• Many "weather" delays are actually crew/mechanical issues

"I've checked the weather records for [airport] on [date], and conditions were clear. Can you provide documentation that the delay was weather-related at my departure or arrival airport?"

"We're Offering a Voucher"

"Under [regulation], I'm entitled to cash compensation, not a voucher. Please process this as a cash refund to my original payment method."

"Extraordinary Circumstances"

Not everything qualifies. These are NOT extraordinary:

• Crew shortages
• Mechanical problems (in most cases)
• IT system failures
• Scheduling errors
• Late incoming aircraft

These ARE extraordinary (no compensation):

• Actual severe weather
• Air traffic control strikes
• Security threats
• Volcanic ash

"The Delay Was Under 3 Hours"

Check actual arrival time (when doors opened), not touchdown time. Every minute counts.

Escalation Path

If the airline doesn't respond or refuses:

Airline complaint department - Give them 14-30 days

Credit card chargeback - If you paid by card

DOT complaint (US): airconsumer.dot.gov

EU National Enforcement Body (EU flights)

Small claims court - Worth it for larger amounts

Claim management services (AirHelp, ClaimCompass) - They take 25-35% but handle everything

Get Your Custom Compensation Claim

Every flight situation is different. For a personalized claim letter and strategy:

Generate Your Airline Compensation Claim →

Get:

• Calculated compensation amount
• Custom claim letter for your situation
• Escalation template if needed
• Rights checklist for your route

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Airlines count on passengers not knowing their rights. Don't be one of them.