Airlines sell more seats than they have, and occasionally there are not enough to go round. If you are removed from a flight against your will, US rules entitle you to cash compensation of up to $2,150. If you give up your seat voluntarily, what you get is whatever you negotiate.
Voluntary or involuntary: the difference matters
- Voluntary. Before bumping anyone, the airline must ask for volunteers. If you volunteer, the compensation is whatever you agree with the airline, often a travel voucher. The federal amounts below do not apply.
- Involuntary. If not enough people volunteer and you are denied boarding against your will, you are entitled to compensation set by federal rules, usually in cash or by check.
How much you are owed if you are bumped involuntarily
The amount depends on how much later the airline's alternative gets you to your destination, compared with your original arrival time:
| How late you arrive | Domestic flights | International flights from the US |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 hour | Nothing | Nothing |
| 1 to 2 hours (domestic) 1 to 4 hours (international) | 200% of your one-way fare, up to $1,075 | 200% of your one-way fare, up to $1,075 |
| More than 2 hours (domestic) More than 4 hours (international) | 400% of your one-way fare, up to $2,150 | 400% of your one-way fare, up to $2,150 |
The fare is the one-way fare to your destination or first stopover, including taxes and fees. If the airline does not arrange any alternative transport, the higher amount applies. You also keep your ticket: you can use it on another flight or get a refund for it.
When the rules do not apply
- You did not have a confirmed reservation, or you missed the check-in or boarding deadline.
- The airline swapped to a smaller aircraft for safety or operational reasons.
- On aircraft with 30 to 60 seats, you were removed for weight and balance reasons.
- The airline got you to your destination within an hour of your original arrival.
- The flight was on an aircraft with fewer than 30 seats, or did not depart from a US airport.
Flights from Europe have their own rules. See EU261 for US travelers.
Cash, not just vouchers
For involuntary bumping, the airline must offer the compensation in cash or by check, normally on the day. It can offer a travel voucher instead, but only if it tells you the cash amount and you agree to take the voucher. Vouchers are sometimes worth more, but check the expiry date and conditions first. See travel credit or cash refund.
The airline must also give you a written statement explaining your rights and how the compensation was worked out.
If you are asked to volunteer
Volunteering can be a good deal if your plans are flexible. Before you agree, ask:
- When is the confirmed seat on the next flight, not just standby?
- How much is the voucher worth, when does it expire, and what can it be used for?
- Will you provide meals, and a hotel if the next flight is tomorrow?
- Will my connection and checked bags be rebooked too?
Once you volunteer and accept, you cannot later claim the involuntary amounts.
How to avoid being bumped
Check in early, choose a seat when you book, and arrive at the gate on time. Passengers without seat assignments and on the lowest fares are often bumped first.
If the airline does not pay
Ask for the written statement, keep your boarding pass and any notes, then raise it with the airline in writing. If it does not resolve it, see how to file a complaint with the DOT.
Being bumped is different from an ordinary delay, for which there is no federal cash compensation. See flight delay compensation in the US.
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.