DOT Denied Boarding Calculator 2026

The DOT denied boarding calculator for 2026 uses 14 CFR 250.5. If the airline delivers you to your final destination 1 to 2 hours late on a domestic flight (1 to 4 hours international), you are owed 200 percent of your one-way fare plus taxes, up to $1,075. If the delay exceeds 2 hours domestic or 4 hours international, you are owed 400 percent up to $2,150.

The compensation is required only for involuntary denied boarding, where the airline bumps you without your consent. If you volunteer to be bumped in exchange for a voucher, the DOT formula does not apply and the airline can offer any amount it wants.

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  Arrives within 1 hour of scheduled time (domestic): no compensation owed. Reroute was acceptable.

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  Arrives 1 to 2 hours late (domestic, 1 to 4 hours international): 200 percent of one-way fare, cap $1,075.

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  Arrives more than 2 hours late (domestic, more than 4 hours international): 400 percent of one-way fare, cap $2,150.

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  No rebooking available: 400 percent of one-way fare, cap $2,150, plus full refund of the unused segment.

The clock starts at your scheduled arrival at your final destination, not at your original departure time. If you are rebooked onto a connection that leaves immediately but arrives 3 hours late, the 400 percent band applies.

The one-way fare used in the calculator is the fare plus any carrier-imposed surcharges for the segment. Taxes are not included in the calculation of 200 or 400 percent, though they are refunded separately. For round-trip tickets, divide the round-trip fare by 2 to get the one-way equivalent. For multi-city tickets, the DOT allows allocation of fare to the specific bumped segment using any reasonable method.

Airlines sometimes try to use the "base fare" (before any carrier-imposed fees) in the calculation, which can undercount by 10 to 30 percent. The DOT's definition is "fare and any carrier-imposed surcharges," so add YQ, fuel, and any airline-added fees into the fare used.

Most economy tickets do not hit the caps. A $200 one-way fare produces $400 at 200 percent (well below $1,075) and $800 at 400 percent (well below $2,150). The caps bite mostly for business class and long-haul premium fares.

1. 1

   $200 fare, short delay: 200% = $400 owed.

2. 2

   $200 fare, long delay: 400% = $800 owed.

3. 3

   $500 fare, short delay: 200% = $1,000 owed.

4. 4

   $500 fare, long delay: 400% = $2,000 owed.

5. 5

   $800 fare, short delay: 200% = $1,075 (cap applies, actual math = $1,600).

6. 6

   $1,200 fare, long delay: 400% = $2,150 (cap applies, actual math = $4,800).

The caps are indexed to inflation. DOT adjusts them every two years under its rule on civil penalty inflation. The 2026 values ($1,075 and $2,150) were set in the 2024 update and apply through the next adjustment cycle.

Airlines commonly offer vouchers well above the cash amount (for example, a $2,000 voucher instead of $1,075 cash). Vouchers expire, come with restrictions, and are worth roughly 60 to 70 percent of their face value to a rational passenger. You have the right to demand cash under 14 CFR 250.5.

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  Gate agent offers a voucher first: decline and ask for cash.

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  Agent says cash is not available at the gate: ask for written confirmation that cash will be mailed within 24 hours (the DOT limit for on-the-spot payments).

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  Airline categorizes the bump as voluntary: it is not voluntary if you did not agree in writing in advance.

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  Airline claims an exception: the narrow exceptions (safety, security, weight/balance) require written documentation.

DOT rules require airlines to pay cash compensation on the day of the incident when possible. If payment on the same day is not feasible, the airline must pay within 24 hours. Checks are acceptable. Vouchers or travel credits are only valid if you accept them in writing.

For the tax angle on your payout, see denied boarding compensation tax treatment. For related calculators, see EU261 calculator exact euro amount by distance and baggage compensation calculator by airline.

Scenario: you are bumped off a 6:00 AM LAX to JFK flight. Airline rebooks you on a 10:00 AM LAX to JFK flight arriving 3 hours and 10 minutes after the original scheduled arrival. Your one-way fare is $350 including carrier surcharges.

1. 1

   Delay band: 3 hours late domestic = long delay (above 2 hours).

2. 2

   Formula: 400 percent of one-way fare = $1,400.

3. 3

   Cap check: $1,400 is below the $2,150 cap, so no cap.

4. 4

   Amount owed: $1,400 cash.

5. 5

   Plus: full refund of the unused original segment if the new segment had a different fare basis.

6. 6

   Plus: any meal or hotel the airline is required to provide under its customer service plan.

TravelStacks files denied boarding claims end to end, including the cash-vs-voucher push. Check your bump in 30 seconds. For the pillar, see Compensation Calculators and Tools.

For primary regulatory texts and official guidance cited in this guide, see DOT Aviation Consumer Protection, 14 CFR Part 259 (eCFR), DOT Complaint Portal.