Your Legal Rights Under DOT Passenger Protection Rules
US passenger rights operate under Department of Transportation regulations codified in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, establishing comprehensive protections that apply to all flights departing from or arriving in the United States. These regulations create binding legal obligations that airlines cannot avoid through terms of service or fare restrictions.
Tarmac Delay Rules - 14 CFR Part 259
During tarmac delays exceeding 2 hours, airlines must provide adequate food and potable water, maintain operable lavatories, and ensure adequate ventilation and heating/air conditioning. Violations can result in fines up to $27,500 per affected passenger, creating powerful incentives for airline compliance.
Airlines that violate tarmac delay rules face both regulatory penalties and potential passenger lawsuits. The regulation's strict liability nature means passengers don't need to prove airline negligence—only that the time limits were exceeded without proper exceptions.
Denied Boarding Compensation - 14 CFR Part 250
US denied boarding compensation provides the most generous cash payments globally, reaching up to $1,675 per passenger for international flights. Compensation is calculated as percentages of the one-way ticket price, creating higher payments for expensive tickets while ensuring meaningful compensation for all fare levels.For domestic flights, passengers receive 200% of the one-way fare (up to $775) for delays of 1-2 hours, and 400% of the one-way fare (up to $1,550) for delays exceeding 2 hours. International flights use the same percentages but with higher caps: $775 for 1-4 hour delays and $1,675 for longer delays.
These amounts are in addition to rebooking on the next available flight at no additional cost, creating combined benefits that often exceed passengers' original ticket expenditures significantly.
Refund Rights - 14 CFR Part 374
DOT refund regulations establish strong passenger rights to cash refunds for cancelled flights, significant schedule changes, and other airline service failures. Airlines must process refunds within 7 business days for credit card purchases and 20 business days for cash or check payments, regardless of original ticket restrictions."Significant schedule changes" that trigger refund rights include departure time changes exceeding 2 hours for domestic flights or 4 hours for international flights, airport changes, and increases in the number of connections. These refund rights apply even to non-refundable tickets when airlines fail to provide contracted services.
Baggage Liability - 14 CFR Part 254
US domestic baggage liability follows DOT regulations requiring airlines to compensate passengers up to $3,800 for lost, damaged, or delayed checked baggage. This amount is higher than Montreal Convention standards and applies per passenger rather than per bag, providing enhanced protection for US domestic travel.Airlines must also compensate passengers for "reasonable incidental expenses" during baggage delays, though specific amounts vary by airline policy and individual circumstances.