The short answer: there is no US law that pays you cash just because your flight was late. What you can get is a refund, the things your airline has promised in writing, and sometimes a goodwill gesture if you ask. Knowing which applies saves you chasing money that was never on offer, and missing what was.
No federal cash compensation for delays
Unlike Europe, the US has no rule requiring airlines to pay passengers for a delay. The Department of Transportation proposed one for delays and cancellations within the airline's control, but withdrew the proposal in 2025. If you see a claims company promising a payout for an ordinary domestic delay, be skeptical.
What you are owed
1. A refund, if you decide not to travel
Full details: the DOT refund rule.
If your flight is cancelled, or delayed by three hours or more on a domestic flight (six or more on an international one), you can decline the alternative and get your money back. This applies whatever caused the delay, including weather, and it covers non-refundable tickets. The refund goes to your original form of payment. You do not have to accept a travel credit instead. Fees for extras you paid for but could not use, such as seat selection or checked bags, should be refunded too.
The refund is the alternative to flying. If you take the delayed flight, or accept a rebooking, you are not also owed your money back. See refund or rebooking: which to choose.
2. What your airline has committed to
For delays within the airline's control, most large US airlines have committed in writing to some combination of meals, a hotel for an overnight delay, rebooking on a partner or other airline, and sometimes miles or a travel credit. These commitments are voluntary, but airlines are expected to honor what they publish. See meal and hotel vouchers during delays and how to check your airline's policy.
Whether a delay counts as within the airline's control decides most of this. See controllable vs. uncontrollable delays.
3. Tarmac protections
If you are held on the aircraft, the airline must provide food and water within two hours, and let you off before three hours on a domestic flight or four on an international one, with limited safety and air traffic control exceptions. These apply whatever caused the delay. See tarmac delay rules.
4. Cash, if the delay is because you were bumped
If you are delayed because the airline involuntarily removed you from an oversold flight, you are entitled to denied boarding compensation in cash, up to $2,150 depending on how late you arrive. That is a different situation from an ordinary delay. See bumped from a flight.
What you can ask for
Beyond their written commitments, airlines often offer miles, a voucher or a travel credit as a goodwill gesture after a long or badly handled delay, particularly to people who ask politely. It is worth asking, either at the airport or afterwards in writing.
Two things to check before you accept anything:
- Is it instead of a refund? If you are entitled to a refund and choose not to travel, a travel credit offered "instead" is not the same thing. You can insist on the refund. See travel credit or cash refund.
- What are the conditions? Vouchers and credits usually expire and may be limited to certain fares.
Your own cover
When the delay is caused by weather, the airline will usually not pay for meals or a hotel. Trip delay cover from a credit card or a travel insurance policy may. See trip delay cover.
Flying to or from Europe?
European rules can pay fixed cash compensation for long delays on flights departing from the EU, and on flights into the EU operated by an EU airline, unless the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather. The UK has similar rules. Check the current rules for your route: they are separate from anything in US law. See EU261 for US travelers.
How to claim
- Ask at the airport first. Vouchers and rebooking are easiest to get on the day. Here is what to say to the gate agent.
- Keep records: screenshots of delay notices and the reason given, receipts, boarding passes.
- Afterwards, write to the airline's customer relations team with the facts, what its customer service plan commits to, and what you are asking for.
- If the airline does not honor a commitment or a refund, file a complaint with the DOT (here is how to file one).
For the steps to take while the delay is happening, see what to do when your flight is delayed.
This guide is general information for US travelers, not legal advice. Rules and airline commitments change; check with your airline or the US Department of Transportation for your specific situation.