FLIGHT TRACKING & TRAVEL HELPFLIGHT STATUS GUIDANCE · AIRPORTS · PASSENGER SUPPORTUTC --:--:--
HOMEPASSENGER RIGHTSUS
PASSENGER RIGHTS GUIDE / UNITED STATES · DOT

Refunds and disruptions in the United States.

Practical next steps for cancellations, significant changes, refunds and customer-service commitments.

REGIONUS

What the rules address

The US Department of Transportation has consumer-protection rules governing airline refunds in certain cancellation or significant change situations when a passenger does not accept the alternative. Carrier commitments can offer additional assistance.

Delay and cancellation

There is no universal EU261-style automatic cash compensation for every US flight delay. Evaluate whether the traveller chooses to travel, accepts alternatives, and whether a refund rule or carrier-specific service commitment applies.

Baggage and missed connections

For mishandled baggage, submit a report to the airline quickly, retain receipts and review applicable baggage-liability limits and airline processes.

What to do first

  1. Save your booking confirmation, boarding pass, receipts and messages from the airline.
  2. Record actual arrival time, the incident category and any written explanation.
  3. Request assistance or a refund/reroute through the operating airline.
  4. Check official regulator guidance before submitting any compensation claim.

Delayed, cancelled or missed your connection?

When travel plans change, contact the operating airline first and ask about the next available flight, refund or support. Keep all notifications and receipts. Your route and circumstances matter more than a headline about compensation alone.

My flight has a problem

Get an immediate step-by-step checklist.

Cancellation or refund help

Understand the practical options to discuss with your airline.

Check your flight situation

Enter your departure and arrival airports, airline and delay details to see which rights may apply.

CHECK MY FLIGHT RIGHTS

Questions about UNITED STATES · DOT passenger rights

Can I get compensation when my flight is delayed?

Possible compensation depends on the US rules that apply to your flight, actual arrival delay, operating airline and the reason for the disruption. There is no universal payout for every delay.

What should I keep after a cancelled flight?

Keep the booking confirmation, cancellation message, boarding pass, receipts, replacement travel details and any written explanation the airline provides.

Do I need to contact the airline first?

Usually the operating airline is the first contact for rebooking, refunds, care or a claim. Use the relevant regulator if you need to escalate a formal complaint.

Does a missed connection count as a delay?

The answer depends on whether the flights were on one booking, the final destination delay, the operating airline and the rules applying to the itinerary.