US Flight Delay Rules: What the DOT Requires
The US has no EU261 equivalent: for domestic delays, federal law doesn't require cash compensation. But you still have enforceable rights — and international itineraries may be covered by the Montreal Convention.
What IS guaranteed in the US
Denied boarding (bumping): up to 400% of the one-way fare, max $1,550, paid in cash or check — the strongest bumping rule in the world.
Tarmac delays: airlines must let you off after 3 hours (domestic) or 4 hours (international), and provide food and water after 2 hours.
Refunds: if the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight and you choose not to travel, you're owed a full refund to the original payment method — even on non-refundable tickets. Since 2024, refunds must be automatic.
What's NOT guaranteed
No fixed compensation for delays or cancellations on domestic flights. Each airline's contract of carriage defines what it offers (meals, hotels, rebooking) — and many offer vouchers only 'at their discretion'.
This is why a $30 delay on a US domestic flight often yields nothing, while the same delay in Europe pays €250–€600.
International flights: the Montreal Convention
For international itineraries touching the US, the Montreal Convention allows claims for proven damages from delays — up to about $1,700 (5,346 SDRs) per passenger.
You must document actual expenses (hotels, missed events, rebooking costs). File a complaint with the airline first, then with the DOT at transportation.gov/airconsumer — the DOT requires airlines to respond.