Your Rights as a US Airline Passenger
The DOT protects passengers on all flights departing from or arriving in the US. Airlines must follow these rules regardless of what their own policies say.
Check if my US flight qualifiesFree to check. No win, no fee for compensation claims.
Canceled flights, you're entitled to a full cash refund
If your flight is canceled, you are entitled to a full cash refund of your ticket price, no exceptions. Airlines often lead with vouchers or travel credits because most people accept them without questioning. You are not required to accept a voucher. This applies even to non-refundable tickets. If the airline cancels, the contract terms shift in your favor.
Significant delays, a newer rule most passengers don't know
DOT now requires airlines to issue refunds for significant delays: generally 3+ hours for domestic flights and 6+ hours for international flights. This rule was strengthened in 2024 and airlines are required to proactively offer the refund, you shouldn't have to fight for it. If your flight was significantly delayed and you chose not to travel, you are owed a refund of the unused portion of your ticket.
Denied boarding (involuntary bumping), up to $1,950 cash
If you are involuntarily bumped from an oversold flight, airlines must pay you cash compensation, not a voucher. The amount depends on how long the airline delays your arrival:
1-2 hour delay
Up to $775
200% of one-way fare
2+ hour delay
Up to $1,950
400% of one-way fare
International
Up to $1,950
Same rules apply
Tarmac delays, airlines must let you deplane
Airlines cannot keep you on the tarmac for more than 3 hours on a domestic flight or 4 hours on an international flight without giving you the option to deplane. If they violate this rule, you may have grounds for a DOT complaint. Airlines face significant fines for tarmac delay violations, they take this rule seriously.
Delayed, damaged, or lost baggage, up to $3,800
Airlines are liable for delayed, damaged, or lost baggage on domestic flights up to $3,800 per passenger. For international flights, the Montreal Convention applies with different limits. You must file a claim with the airline promptly, ideally before leaving the airport. Keep receipts for any expenses caused by delayed baggage (e.g., buying essentials while waiting).
How far back can I claim?
DOT does not set a single fixed statute of limitations for refund claims, but acting quickly improves your odds. Denied boarding compensation should be requested the day of travel. For refunds and reimbursement, most airlines have internal deadlines and TravelStacks can check flights going back approximately 1 year:
Refunds and reimbursement
~1 year
Practical filing window for most DOT claims
Denied boarding (IDB)
Day of travel
Request payment at the gate
EU261 / UK261 also applies?
2-6 years
If your flight departed from an EU or UK airport
What airlines don't want you to know
Airlines offer vouchers first because studies show most passengers accept them without asking for cash. A $300 travel credit costs the airline far less than $300 in cash, credits expire, have restrictions, and get forgotten. You almost always have the right to cash instead. Airlines are legally required to tell you this if you ask, but they are not required to lead with it. Ask for cash.
How TravelStacks helps
TravelStacks checks your flight eligibility automatically, tells you exactly what you're owed under DOT rules, and handles the entire claim process. We charge a $19 flat fee for refund and reimbursement claims, and 25% for denied boarding compensation, only if we recover something. No win, no fee.
Check if my US flight qualifiesUS DOT passenger rights, frequently asked questions
Check if your US flight qualifies
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Check if my US flight qualifiesWorks for past flights too. US DOT: up to 1 year. EU261 and UK261: up to 6 years back.