US passenger protections
The US has fewer legal protections than the EU, but you still have rights:
- Cancellations: Airlines must provide a full refund within 7 days (credit card) or 20 days (other payment). This includes non-refundable tickets. As of 2024, refunds must be automatic.
- Tarmac delays: Airlines must let you off the plane after 3 hours (domestic) or 4 hours (international). Violation fine: up to $27,500 per passenger.
- Involuntary bumping: If you're denied boarding against your will, compensation is 200-400% of your one-way fare, up to $1,550 cash.
- Baggage: Domestic baggage liability limited to $3,800. International (Montreal Convention): ~$1,800.
⚠️ What the US does NOT require
No cash compensation for delays (only cancellations and bumping). No mandatory meals or hotels during delays. No compensation for weather-related disruptions.
EU261: The gold standard
EU Regulation 261/2004 is the strongest passenger protection law in the world. It applies to:
- Any flight departing from an EU airport (any airline)
- Any flight arriving at an EU airport on an EU-registered airline
Compensation amounts:
- Delays of 3+ hours: €250-€600 depending on distance
- Cancellations: Same compensation unless notified 14+ days in advance
- Denied boarding: Same compensation plus immediate rebooking
- Right to care: Free meals, drinks, hotel, and transport during waiting
What doesn't qualify
Airlines don't owe compensation for "extraordinary circumstances" — events outside their control:
- Severe weather (but not just rain — it has to actually affect operations)
- Air traffic control restrictions
- Security threats
- Political instability
- Bird strikes (controversial — some courts rule these ARE within airline control)
Note: technical/mechanical issues are NOT extraordinary circumstances. If the plane broke, that's the airline's problem and you're owed compensation.
ℹ️ Airlines often wrongly claim weather
Airlines reject about 60% of valid claims citing 'weather' or 'extraordinary circumstances.' If the actual weather data doesn't support their claim, push back or use a claim service.