There is no federal rule that requires a US airline to feed you or put you up in a hotel during a delay. Most large airlines have promised to anyway, but only in certain situations, and usually only if you ask.
Where the commitment comes from
Meal and hotel commitments come from each airline's customer service plan, not from federal law. They differ from airline to airline, and the DOT's Airline Customer Service Dashboard compares the largest ones side by side. Read your airline's own plan before you travel: how to check your airline's delay policy.
When airlines typically provide them
The usual pattern among large US airlines is:
- A meal voucher or credit when a delay within the airline's control reaches about three hours.
- A hotel room, and transport to and from it, when a controllable delay or cancellation leaves you stuck overnight.
Low-cost airlines tend to commit to less. The exact wording matters, so check yours.
The key condition: whose fault it is
These commitments almost always apply only to delays within the airline's control, such as maintenance, crew problems or the airline's own systems. For weather or air traffic control, the airline usually provides nothing beyond rebooking. See controllable vs. uncontrollable delays and is it really a weather delay?
For an uncontrollable overnight delay, ask anyway whether the airline can offer a discounted hotel rate. Many can. Your own trip delay cover may also pay.
How to get them
- Ask. Vouchers are rarely announced to the whole gate. Ask the agent, or check the airline's app: some airlines now issue meal credits and hotel bookings digitally. Here is what to say.
- Ask early for a hotel. In a large disruption, rooms near the airport run out fast.
- Check what a voucher covers. Meal vouchers often have a fixed value and may only work at certain outlets.
If the airline does not provide them
If the delay was within the airline's control and it does not provide what its plan commits to, pay for reasonable costs yourself and claim them back:
- Keep every receipt, and keep spending reasonable.
- Screenshot the reason the airline gave for the delay.
- After the trip, write to the airline's customer relations team, quote the commitment from its customer service plan, and attach your receipts.
- If it refuses, you can file a complaint with the DOT (here is how to file one).
If a delay made you miss a connecting flight, the same rules apply. See missed connection because of a delay: who pays?
Your bag will probably not come with you
If you are sent to a hotel overnight, your checked bag usually stays with the airline. Here is what to keep in your carry-on.
Meals and hotels are not the only option
If the delay is three hours or more on a domestic flight (six on an international one), you can also choose not to travel and get a refund instead, whatever the cause. See what you are actually owed. If your flight is cancelled outright, see hotel and meals after a cancelled flight.
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.