Frequently Asked Questions About Montreal Convention Rights

Q: Does the Montreal Convention apply to domestic flights within my country?

A: No, the Montreal Convention applies only to international flights between countries that have ratified the treaty. Domestic flights are governed by national aviation laws, which may provide similar or different protections depending on the country.

Q: Can I choose to sue under Montreal Convention instead of regional regulations like EU261?

A: Montreal Convention and regional regulations often provide different types of protection that can complement rather than replace each other. Many passengers can claim under both systems for different aspects of the same incident, though some coordination of benefits may apply.

Q: How do I know the current Montreal Convention compensation limits?

A: Montreal Convention limits are expressed in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and updated periodically based on currency fluctuations. Current amounts are available through ICAO publications, airline associations, and aviation law resources. Approximate values are around $1,700-1,800 for baggage and $175,000 for the first tier of death/injury liability.

Q: What if my flight involves multiple airlines or codeshare arrangements?

A: Montreal Convention applies to the entire journey when booked on a single ticket, with liability typically resting on the marketing airline (whose name appears on your ticket). For separate tickets involving different airlines, each segment may be treated independently under the Convention.

Q: Can airlines limit Montreal Convention liability through ticket terms and conditions?

A: No, Montreal Convention liability cannot be reduced or eliminated through airline contract terms, fare restrictions, or ticket conditions. The Convention establishes minimum liability levels that apply regardless of airline policies or passenger agreements.

Q: How does Montreal Convention interact with travel insurance coverage?

A: Montreal Convention provides legal rights against airlines while travel insurance provides contractual coverage from insurance companies. These can complement each other, with insurance potentially covering gaps in Montreal Convention protection or providing faster claims resolution for amounts within treaty limits.

Q: What happens if an airline declares bankruptcy before paying Montreal Convention claims?

A: Montreal Convention claims are typically considered priority debts in bankruptcy proceedings, though recovery depends on specific bankruptcy laws and airline assets. Many countries have passenger protection funds or insurance requirements that help ensure Montreal Convention claim payments even when airlines become insolvent.

The Montreal Convention provides a robust foundation of international passenger protection that applies consistently across most global air travel routes. Understanding this treaty's provisions, procedures, and interaction with regional regulations enables strategic claims management that maximizes passenger protection while navigating the complex landscape of international aviation law. The Convention's strength lies in its universality and enforceability, creating predictable rights that transcend national borders and provide uniform protection for international travelers worldwide.

Legal Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about Montreal Convention rights and is not intended as legal advice. Treaty provisions and domestic implementations vary by jurisdiction and individual circumstances. Always verify current treaty limits and procedures, and consider consulting qualified aviation law professionals for complex international claims or high-value disputes. Airline Refund Rules: When You're Entitled to Your Money Back

You purchased a "non-refundable" ticket for $800, but when the airline cancels your flight with two hours notice, you discover something airlines rarely advertise: that same non-refundable ticket now entitles you to a full cash refund regardless of the original fare restrictions. This transformation occurs because flight cancellations fundamentally alter the contract terms, converting restricted tickets into unconditional refund entitlements backed by federal law and international treaties.

Airline refund rules represent one of the strongest and most universal passenger rights in aviation, yet they're also among the most misunderstood. Airlines routinely offer vouchers, travel credits, and rebooking options while downplaying passengers' legal rights to cash refunds when airlines fail to provide contracted services. Understanding these refund rights can save hundreds or thousands of dollars while providing flexibility that vouchers and credits cannot match.

The global refund landscape operates under multiple layers of protection: international treaties like the Montreal Convention establish baseline refund rights for international flights, regional regulations like EU261 and DOT rules mandate specific refund procedures and timeframes, and national consumer protection laws provide additional remedies when airlines violate refund obligations. These systems work together to create comprehensive refund protection that applies regardless of ticket type, fare restrictions, or airline policies.

Airlines process over $280 billion in refunds annually worldwide, but studies show that 40-60% of passengers entitled to cash refunds accept inferior vouchers or credits due to lack of knowledge about their legal rights. Understanding exactly when you're entitled to refunds, how to claim them effectively, and what tactics airlines use to avoid refund obligations transforms airline service failures from financial losses into manageable inconveniences with full monetary recovery.