Bumped from a flight? Airlines owe you up to $2,150 in cash (denied boarding rules)
If an airline oversells and you're involuntarily denied boarding, federal law entitles you to cash compensation of 200% or 400% of your one-way fare, capped at $1,075 or $2,150, paid the same day. How it works, what to say at the gate, why you shouldn't take the voucher, and how to negotiate if you volunteer.
- If you have a confirmed reservation, checked in on time, and the airline won't board you because the flight is oversold, DOT rules require cash compensation on the spot (or within 24 hours if you leave before it's calculated).
- Amount: 200% of your one-way fare, up to $1,075, if the airline gets you to your destination 1–2 hours late (1–4 hours international); 400%, up to $2,150, if later than that. Under 1 hour: nothing.
- Plus you keep your ticket (or get a refund) and get rebooked.
- The airline must ask for volunteers first, offering whatever it wants (usually vouchers). If you volunteer, negotiate: cash or a check is allowed, and so is a bigger number.
- Vouchers are not required; you can insist on a check for involuntary bumping. Airlines must explain your rights in writing.
Volunteer vs. involuntary
Airlines oversell on purpose. When too many people show up, the gate agent asks for volunteers in exchange for a voucher, then a bigger one. If nobody bites, they pick passengers to bump (usually the last to check in or the cheapest fares).
- Volunteering: you get whatever you negotiate. The compensation rule doesn't apply. Before you say yes, ask: when is the next confirmed seat (not standby)? Is the voucher cash-equivalent or restricted? Are meals and a hotel covered? You can ask for a check instead of a voucher, and many agents can do it.
- Involuntary: the rule applies, and the airline must pay the amounts below.
What you're owed when bumped involuntarily
| Arrival delay caused by the bump | Domestic | International (from the U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 hour | $0 | $0 |
| 1 to 2 hours (1 to 4 international) | 200% of one-way fare, max $1,075 | 200% of one-way fare, max $1,075 |
| Over 2 hours (over 4 international) or no alternative | 400% of one-way fare, max $2,150 | 400% of one-way fare, max $2,150 |
The "one-way fare" is what you paid for that segment including fees; on a round trip it's half the total. The airline must pay cash or check if you ask (it can offer a voucher, but you can refuse), the same day if you're still at the airport, otherwise within 24 hours.
You also keep your ticket for rebooking or can request a full refund of the unused portion, and the airline's contract usually adds meals and a hotel if the delay runs overnight.
What to do at the gate
- Check in early and be at the gate on time. If you missed the check-in cutoff, the rule doesn't protect you.
- Ask the agent: "Is this an involuntary denied boarding?" and "What's the next flight you're confirming me on?"
- Ask for the written statement of rights (they must give it to anyone bumped involuntarily).
- Request compensation by check, not a voucher. Say: "Under 14 CFR 250.5 I'd like the denied boarding compensation paid by check today."
- Get the new boarding pass, meal vouchers, and hotel if overnight, and keep every document.
- If they refuse or underpay, file a DOT complaint and, if needed, dispute or sue in small claims. The rule is enforceable and airlines settle these quickly.
Exceptions (when they don't have to pay)
- You didn't meet the check-in deadline or didn't have a confirmed reservation.
- The aircraft was swapped for a smaller one for safety or operational reasons (a substitution, not an oversale).
- Flights on aircraft with 30 or fewer seats.
- Weight and balance issues on small planes.
- Flights departing from a foreign country to the U.S. (foreign rules apply; from Europe, that's EU261, which pays more: see EU compensation).
- You were removed for conduct, security, or documentation reasons.
Downgrades
If you're moved to a lower class than you paid for (first to economy), the airline must refund the fare difference. That's a refund rule, not a bumping rule.
FAQ
They offered a $800 voucher to volunteer. Should I take it?
If the next confirmed seat works for you, negotiate up and ask for cash or a check. Vouchers often expire in a year and have blackout rules. If you'd be involuntarily bumped anyway with a 2+ hour delay, the rule pays up to $2,150 in cash, which may be more.
I was bumped on a flight from London to New York
Not the DOT rule (departure outside the U.S.). Under UK261 you're owed £520 plus rebooking or refund, which is more than the DOT maximum in many cases. See EU/UK compensation.
I checked in late and they gave my seat away
If you missed the airline's check-in or gate deadline, it's not a denied boarding. Some airlines will still rebook you as a courtesy.