United Airlines bumped you from your flight?
Here's what they owe you.
If you are involuntarily bumped, the airline must pay cash compensation: up to $775 for delays under 2 hours, up to $1,550 for delays over 2 hours. You can refuse vouchers and demand a check.
Free · No signup · Works at the gate
They owe you cash — up to $1,550
up to $1,550
- •Under 2hr delay: 200% of one-way fare (max $775)
- •Over 2hr delay: 400% of one-way fare (max $1,550)
- •You can refuse vouchers and demand a check on the spot
- •They must hand you a written statement of your rights
What to do right now
1. Screenshot everything
Take screenshots of the departure board, your boarding pass, and any notifications from the airline app. This is your evidence.
2. Get the written denied boarding statement
Airlines are REQUIRED to give you a written statement of your rights when you're involuntarily bumped. If they don't offer it, demand it.
3. Demand cash, not vouchers
The airline must offer cash compensation: 200% of your one-way fare (up to $775) for short delays, 400% (up to $1,550) for delays over 2 hours. You can refuse vouchers and insist on cash.
4. Get rebooked immediately
The airline must rebook you on the next available flight at no additional cost. This includes flights on partner airlines if their own flights are full.
5. Calculate your exact compensation
2+ hours to destination = 400% of one-way fare, max $1,550. Under 2 hours = 200%, max $775. This is non-negotiable federal law.
6. File a complaint if compensation was wrong
If the airline offered less than the legal minimum or only offered vouchers, file a formal complaint. Use the generator below.
Your rights under federal law
If you're bumped from an oversold flight against your will, the airline must pay you cash compensation. The amount depends on the length of delay to your final destination.
- •0-1 hour delay: 200% of one-way fare (max $775)
- •1-2 hour delay (domestic) or 1-4 hours (international): 200% of one-way fare (max $775)
- •2+ hours (domestic) or 4+ hours (international): 400% of one-way fare (max $1,550)
- •Written statement of your rights at the gate
- •Rebooking on next available flight
Compensation must be paid same day, by check. You can demand cash over vouchers.
14 CFR Part 250 — Oversales
Contact United Airlines
United Airlines pledges for controllable delays
Voluntary, not law. Subject to Oct 2026 carve-out.
What to know about United Airlines
United automatically pushes meal and hotel vouchers to the United app during eligible disruptions — check your app before waiting in line. They also allow same-day standby on earlier flights through the app, which can save you during rolling delays.
People who pushed back got results
"They offered a $400 voucher. I said no, I want the federal minimum. Walked out with a $1,550 check."
"Always refuse the first voucher offer. They're legally required to pay cash. Don't let them pressure you."
Get your United Airlines disruption kit
Complaint email, action checklist, and proof — ready in 30 seconds.
Common questions
How much money does United Airlines owe me for bumping me?
If you're bumped from an oversold flight against your will, the airline must pay you cash compensation. The amount depends on the length of delay to your final destination.
Does United Airlines provide meals and hotels for denied boarding / bumped?
For controllable denied boarding / bumped situations, United Airlines pledges meal vouchers and hotel accommodations for overnight delays. These are voluntary commitments subject to the October 2026 DOT rule carve-outs.
How do I file a complaint with United Airlines?
Email customercare@united.com, call 1-800-864-8331, or DM @united on Twitter/X. If United Airlines doesn't respond within 14 days, file a formal DOT complaint at airconsumer.dot.gov.
How long does a United Airlines refund take?
Federal law requires United Airlines to process refunds within 7 business days for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for cash or check payments. Use their refund portal at https://www.united.com/en/us/refund to start the process.