Involuntary Denied Boarding Compensation
Bumped from your flight because the airline oversold it? You could be entitled to up to 400% of your one-way fare in cash.
What the DOT Requires
Your rights are protected by the US Department of Transportation. Use this information to escalate your case.
If you are involuntarily bumped, the DOT requires airlines to compensate you, often up to 400% of your one-way fare (capped at $1,550).
Compensation is not required if the airline arranges alternate transportation that arrives within 1 hour of your original arrival time.
You must have a confirmed reservation, checked in on time, and arrived at the boarding gate on time to be eligible.
What to say to the airline
Keep the request factual, specific, and supported by the records you saved.
Ask the gate agent to provide a written statement detailing your rights and explaining why you were bumped.
Explicitly ask for a check or cash compensation right at the airport.
Verify the arrival time of the rebooked flight they offer you, as it determines your compensation amount.
Avoid: Do not volunteer to be bumped unless the compensation offered is high enough for you (and ensure it's in a form you can use). Once you volunteer, DOT mandatory compensation rules no longer apply.
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