What does the airline owe me?

What does an airline owe me if my flight is cancelled?

If the airline cancels your flight, you are owed a full cash refund to your original payment method — federal law, 14 CFR Part 260. This applies to all ticket types including non-refundable and basic economy. The refund must be processed within 7 business days for credit cards. You are not required to accept vouchers or travel credits. If the cancellation is 'controllable' (airline's fault — crew, routine maintenance, operations), you may also be eligible for meal and hotel vouchers under the airline's voluntary customer service plan.

What does an airline owe me if my flight is delayed 3 hours?

For a domestic flight delayed 3+ hours: you can choose a full cash refund if you decide not to travel (14 CFR Part 260). For meal vouchers, it depends on the cause. Under the airline's voluntary customer service plan, if the delay is 'controllable' (crew scheduling, routine maintenance), most major US airlines have pledged meal vouchers. However, as of October 19, 2026, a new DOT rule (DOT-OST-2026-1257) reclassifies 10 delay types — including unscheduled maintenance, medical emergencies, and unruly passenger removals — as 'uncontrollable,' meaning airlines can legally deny vouchers for them. US law does not require cash compensation (like EU261) for delayed flights.

Do airlines have to give me a meal voucher for a delay in 2026?

It depends on the cause and the new DOT rule. All 10 major US airlines voluntarily pledged meal vouchers for 3+ hour 'controllable' delays. But the new October 2026 DOT rule (effective October 19, 2026) reclassified 10 delay types as no longer 'controllable' — including unscheduled maintenance, medical emergencies, removal of unruly passengers, cybersecurity attacks, government system failures, and airport baggage system outages. For delays caused by weather or ATC, airlines have never been required to provide vouchers. For delays caused by crew scheduling or routine maintenance, voucher commitments still apply.

What do I say to the gate agent to get a meal voucher?

Ask directly: 'Is this delay being classified as an Air Carrier (controllable) cause or a Section 511(b) cause under the new DOT rule?' If Air Carrier, say: 'Per your customer service plan, I'm entitled to a meal voucher for this controllable delay. Can you provide one?' If they claim it's uncontrollable under the new rule, ask which of the 10 specific categories applies — airlines must identify the specific cause, not just give a blanket 'uncontrollable' label.

What am I owed if I'm bumped from a flight?

If you are involuntarily denied boarding (bumped), federal law (14 CFR 250) requires the airline to pay cash compensation: 200% of your one-way fare (maximum $775) if you reach your destination within 1-2 hours of original arrival, or 400% of your one-way fare (maximum $1,550) for longer delays. You can refuse travel vouchers and demand cash. This is one of the few areas where US law requires actual cash payments to passengers.

What are my rights if I'm stuck on the tarmac?

Under 14 CFR 259.4: after 2 hours on the tarmac, the airline must provide food, water, and working lavatories. After 3 hours (domestic) or 4 hours (international), the airline must give you the option to deplane — unless FAA, ATC, or security authorities determine it is unsafe. Violations carry fines of $27,500 per passenger. Note: if you deplane, the plane can depart without you.