Flight delays and cancellations are an inevitable side effect of air travel. Whether due to mechanical problems, understaffing or other types of disruption, backups on the runway can derail your schedule and stress your wallet through unforeseen expenses. But what some travelers don’t realize is that they are sometimes entitled to reimbursement for these setbacks.
While specific legislation dictates that airlines compensate passengers for delays of three hours or longer, cancellations, and overbooking, carriers rarely work to educate consumers about their rights to reimbursement. Through programs offered on sites like https://airhelp.com, travelers can secure valuable consumer protections and ensure they are duly compensated.
Here’s everything Santa Clarita’s jet-setters need to know about passenger rights, compensation eligibility, and reimbursements for delayed or canceled flights.
Passenger Rights
Air passenger rights vary based on the country where the flight originates, lands, or is being run.
EU261: Strong Compensation for Delays and Cancellations
If you are taking a flight to or from Europe, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261). The rule requires airlines to compensate their customers for:
- Delays over three hours (amount depends on flight distance).
- Cancellations announced less than 14 days before departure.
- Denied boarding due to overbooking.
Compensation under EU261 varies based on flight length and delay time:
- €250 for flights under 1,500 km delayed over three hours.
- €300 for flights from 1,500 km to 3,500 km delayed over three hours
- €600 for flights over 3,500 km delayed over three hours.
The Montreal Convention: Reimbursement for International Flight Disruptions
For passengers on international flights beyond Europe, they have the right to be reimbursed pursuant to the Montreal Convention. Unlike the EU261, this treaty does not directly set forth entitled amounts but provides customers with the right to be repaid for any and all reasonable expenses for which they have suffered because of a delay or cancellation. This can include:
- Hotel stays and meals for overnight delays.
- Transportation costs for alternative travel.
- Lost or damaged baggage claims.
To make a claim, the affected customer would have to submit evidence to the airline to support their claim. If the claim is still denied, a passenger could file a claim where the airline is based.
Flight Delay Compensation and Passenger Rights in the U.S.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) extends consumer protections to passengers flying on flights to and from the U.S., but those measures do not include requirements for airlines to compensate passengers automatically in the case of a flight delay. However, they do require that, in case of delay, the airline provide the following if you request them:
- Refunds for Cancellations and Significant Schedule Changes
If the airline cancels a flight or makes a significant schedule change, the passengers are due:
- A full refund, even for non-refundable tickets.
- A refund of baggage fees and other extras paid.
Most U.S. airlines do not provide compensation for flight delays, except for those related to overbooking.
- Compensation for Denied Boarding (Overbooking Cases)
While passengers involuntarily bumped from their flight due to overbooking are entitled to overbooking compensation.
- 1-2 hours late (domestic) / 1-4 hours late (international) → 200% of one-way fare (including a max of $775)
- Over 2 hours late (domestic) / 1-4 hours late (international) → 400% of one-way fare (including a max of $1,550)
- Tarmac Delay Protections
For flights departing from or arriving in the U.S.:
- Airlines must allow passengers to get off the plane if the tarmac delay has reached (or is expected to reach) three hours for domestic flights, or four hours for international flights.
- After two hours, airlines must provide food, water, and access to restrooms.
- Failure to comply can lead to heavy fines against the airline.
How to Claim Flight Delay Compensation
Travelers affected by flight delays or cancellations should follow these steps to maximize their compensation claims.
- Keep All Flight and Expense Records
Keep your booking record, boarding pass and proof of any expenses (like hotels, food, transport) incurred as a result of the delay.
- Request a Written Explanation from the Airline
Some airlines will try to argue that extraordinary circumstances are the cause of avoiding paying compensation. Make sure to get a clear explanation in writing explaining the reasons for the delay or cancellation.
- Check Airline Compensation Policies
Each airline has a Contract of Carriage, which governs how each airline compensates passengers in cases of delays, cancellations, and travel disruptions. For example, some airlines will provide meals, lodging and hotel vouchers; others will require you to apply for compensation.
- File a Compensation Claim
If you think you qualify for flight delay compensation, you need to apply to the airline yourself. Make sure to reference the delay law (EU261, Montreal Convention, or DOT protections for example) in your application.
- Get Professional Help if Necessary
If an airline refuses to complete the application or if it delays completing the application, you can use a service like AirHelp that helps passengers apply for compensation.
Compensation Policies of Major Airlines Serving Santa Clarita Travelers
Many Santa Clarita travelers book their flights from LAX, BUR, and ONT through one of these airlines. Here’s what to expect when one of those airlines has a delay, cancellation, or overbooking:
Airline
Compensation for Delays/Cancellations
Overbooking Compensation
American Airlines
No compensation for delays, but meal/hotel vouchers for extended delays.
Up to $2,150 for denied boarding.
Delta Airlines
Offers rebooking and travel vouchers for long delays.
Follows DOT-mandated compensation.
United Airlines
Hotel accommodations for airline-caused overnight delays.
Up to 400% of ticket price for overbooked flights.
Southwest Airlines
Flexible rebooking; no compensation for delays.
Provides DOT-mandated compensation.
JetBlue Airways
Offers up to $250 in flight credits for long delays.
Compensation for involuntarily denied boarding.
There is no U.S. requirement to give passengers any compensation for delays. However, travelers should always review policies before accepting a carrier’s alternative travel offer.
Final Thoughts
Knowing your rights as a passenger and what you are entitled to can often be the easiest way to recover costs and recoup your time as a flyer. Even though compensation is not often awarded to U.S. travelers, international laws such as EU261 and the Montreal Convention have been put in place to protect the rights and well-being of passengers.
Passengers should always save any and all receipts, make a claim when necessary, and ensure all that they are owed is awarded back. By doing so, flyers will be able to avoid getting disrupted by airlines and recoup any damages from delays or involuntarily denied boarding they may face in the future.
