What a flight!

US rules

Flight delay rights in the United States

There is no US equivalent of EU261 for delays. What you do have is a strong refund rule and a bumping rule that pays more than Europe does.

Delays: refunds, not compensation

For a domestic US flight, no law requires a payment for a delay. What airlines must do is refund you — automatically and in the original form of payment — if your flight is cancelled or significantly changed and you choose not to travel. Vouchers cannot be forced on you.

Denied boarding pays well

  • 0–1 hour late to your destination: nothing.
  • 1–2 hours domestic (1–4 international): 200% of your one-way fare, capped.
  • Over 2 hours domestic (over 4 international): 400% of your one-way fare, capped.

This is cash, not vouchers, and you can insist on a cheque before leaving the airport.

European flights to and from the US

EU261 covers any flight departing an EU airport, including a US airline flying home. It also covers flights arriving in the EU on an EU carrier. So a New York–Paris flight on Air France is covered; the same route on a US carrier is not.

Baggage

The Montreal Convention applies to international itineraries; for domestic US flights the DOT sets a liability limit for lost or delayed bags, and checked-bag fees must be refunded when a bag is lost.

Quick answer

There is no US equivalent of EU261 for delays. What you do have is a strong refund rule and a bumping rule that pays more than Europe does.

Jurisdiction
United States
Primary rule
US DOT rules
Payment basis
USD ($)
Assessment
Depends on route, disruption and cause

Common questions

My US domestic flight was 6 hours late. What can I claim?
No statutory compensation, but many airlines provide meals and hotels under their own contract of carriage. Ask, and cite their policy.
Can I claim EU261 on a US airline flying to Europe?
Only if the flight departed an EU airport. Departing the US on a non-EU carrier falls outside the regulation.
Do I have to accept a voucher?
No. If you are entitled to a refund, it must be in the original payment method.

Primary sources

Official guidance and legislation used to review this page.