How to Claim Compensation When Your Flight Is Too Late

When airlines are overbooked or their flight is too late, they ask for volunteers to give up their seat in exchange for a credit to be used towards the next flight. The offer often sounds appealing: wait an extra hour or two and be paid $200 or more (depending on the flight).

However, accepting such an offer could waiver your right to higher compensation. Under Federal Law, customers who are denied boarding may be entitled to up to $1350 in compensation. Airlines would rather that you accept the $200 in credit and waive your rights to $1350 cash.

What to Do If You Are Denied Boarding Your Flight

If you have a reservation for a flight and you are denied boarding, the amount of compensation that you are entitled to depends upon the amount of time it takes to arrive at either your first layover or, in the case of a direct flight, your final destination. If the flight is too late and is within the continental United States, you could be entitled to 200% of the ticket price up to $675 if you arrive more than one hour after the scheduled time of arrival.

If you arrive more than 2 hours after, you could be entitled to 400% of the original fare up to $1350. International flights departing from the US have equivalent compensation; however, the minimum threshold for a 400% entitlement is 4-hour delay in arrival.

How Do I Go About Claiming Compensation When My Flight Is Too Late?

If you believe that you are entitled to receive compensation as a result of being denied boarding on a reserved flight, then you should start by filling out an Airline Complaint Letter. After printing and signing the letter, you should mail it to the airline by Certified Mail and include supporting documentation.