Denied Boarding Compensation Overview
When airlines oversell flights and involuntarily deny you boarding, federal law requires them to compensate you immediately. Under 14 CFR 250, you can receive up to $1,550 in cash compensation plus rebooking on the next available flight.
💡 Know Your Rights
Airlines MUST pay denied boarding compensation at the airport or mail a check within 24 hours. You don't have to accept vouchers instead of cash. The compensation is yours to keep even if you also get rebooked on another flight.
Compensation Amounts (14 CFR 250.5)
💰 1-2 Hour Delay (Domestic)
200% of one-way fare, max $775 if you arrive 1-2 hours late at destination
💰 Over 2 Hour Delay (Domestic)
400% of one-way fare, max $1,550 if you arrive over 2 hours late at destination
🌎 1-4 Hour Delay (International)
200% of one-way fare, max $775 if you arrive 1-4 hours late
🌎 Over 4 Hour Delay (International)
400% of one-way fare, max $1,550 if you arrive over 4 hours late
What Airlines Must Provide
- Cash payment or check for compensation amount (not vouchers unless you agree)
- Written statement explaining your rights and compensation amount
- Rebooking on next available flight to your destination at no extra charge
- Choice of refund for original ticket if you choose not to rebook
Legal Basis for IDB Compensation
14 CFR 250.5 - Compensation for Involuntary Denied Boarding
Requires airlines to compensate passengers who are involuntarily denied boarding due to oversales. Compensation is based on the length of delay to final destination and ranges from 200-400% of the one-way fare, capped at $775-$1,550. Airlines must pay immediately or within 24 hours.
14 CFR 250.9 - Written Explanation Required
Airlines must provide a written statement explaining denied boarding compensation, how the amount was calculated, and passenger rights. This statement must be provided at the time of denied boarding or when the compensation is paid.
When Compensation Is NOT Required
- You didn't comply with check-in or ticketing requirements
- Flight was cancelled or delayed (not oversold)
- Smaller aircraft substituted for operational/safety reasons
- You were denied boarding for safety, security, or health reasons
- You volunteered to give up your seat for compensation
- Charter flights or aircraft with 60 or fewer seats
Sample Demand Letter
If the airline failed to pay proper compensation at the airport, send this demand letter immediately.
FAQ
How much compensation am I entitled to if involuntarily bumped?
Under 14 CFR 250, if you arrive 1-2 hours late (domestic) or 1-4 hours late (international), you get 200% of your one-way fare up to $775. If you arrive over 2 hours late (domestic) or over 4 hours late (international), you get 400% of your one-way fare up to $1,550.
What is involuntary denied boarding?
Involuntary denied boarding occurs when an airline refuses to let you board a flight because it's oversold, even though you have a confirmed reservation and arrived on time. This is different from voluntary denied boarding where passengers accept compensation to give up their seats willingly.
When am I NOT entitled to bumping compensation?
You're not entitled to compensation if: you didn't comply with check-in/boarding requirements, the flight was cancelled or delayed (not oversold), you were bumped for safety/security reasons, the airline used a smaller aircraft due to operational necessity, or you voluntarily accepted a denied boarding offer.
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Book Consultation - $125Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about denied boarding compensation and is not legal advice. I am Sergei Tokmakov, a California attorney (State Bar #279869). Consult with an attorney for advice specific to your situation.