Flights From and Within the US

In the United States, passenger rights are governed by the Department of Transportation (DOT). While there is no automatic compensation for delays like in Europe, rules for overbooking are very strict.

If you are denied boarding against your will due to overbooking, you have a right to immediate compensation which can reach 400% of the ticket price, up to a maximum of $1,550.

For US domestic flights, airlines are not legally required to compensate for delays, but they often must provide meals or hotel rooms according to their own commercial policy.

The DOT prohibits airlines from leaving passengers on the tarmac for more than 3 hours (domestic flights) or 4 hours (international flights) without allowing them to deplane.