Flight Delay Compensation Calculator Usa

US Flight Delay Compensation Calculator (Denied Boarding)

Use this calculator to estimate potential compensation for involuntarily denied boarding (overbooking) on flights departing from or within the United States, based on U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Please note that general flight delays or cancellations typically do not mandate cash compensation under US law, but airlines may offer goodwill gestures.

Domestic (within USA) International (departing USA)

function calculateCompensation() { var originalTicketPrice = parseFloat(document.getElementById('originalTicketPrice').value); var flightType = document.getElementById('flightType').value; var arrivalDelayHours = parseFloat(document.getElementById('arrivalDelayHours').value); var compensationResultDiv = document.getElementById('compensationResult'); if (isNaN(originalTicketPrice) || originalTicketPrice <= 0) { compensationResultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid original one-way ticket price."; return; } if (isNaN(arrivalDelayHours) || arrivalDelayHours = 0 && arrivalDelayHours = 1 && arrivalDelayHours = 2) { // 2+ hours delay multiplier = 4; // 400% of fare maxCompensation = 1550; // Current DOT cap for 2+ hour domestic delay } } else if (flightType === 'international') { // Departing US if (arrivalDelayHours >= 0 && arrivalDelayHours = 1 && arrivalDelayHours = 4) { // 4+ hours delay multiplier = 4; // 400% of fare maxCompensation = 1550; // Current DOT cap for 4+ hour international delay } } if (multiplier > 0) { estimatedCompensation = Math.min(originalTicketPrice * multiplier, maxCompensation); compensationResultDiv.innerHTML = "Estimated Compensation: $" + estimatedCompensation.toFixed(2) + ""; } else { compensationResultDiv.innerHTML = "Based on DOT rules for denied boarding, no cash compensation is typically mandated for this delay duration or if the delay is less than 1 hour."; } compensationResultDiv.innerHTML += "(These caps are subject to periodic adjustment by the DOT. This calculation is for involuntarily denied boarding only.)"; }

Understanding Flight Delay Compensation in the USA

Unlike the European Union's comprehensive EU261 regulation, the United States does not have a federal law mandating cash compensation for most flight delays or cancellations. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) primarily focuses on ensuring airlines provide their customers with clear policies and reasonable care during disruptions, rather than direct monetary payouts for general delays.

Denied Boarding (Overbooking) – Where Compensation Applies

The most significant exception where federal law mandates compensation is for involuntarily denied boarding, commonly known as overbooking. If an airline sells more tickets than available seats and cannot find enough volunteers to give up their seats, passengers who are involuntarily bumped are entitled to compensation. The amount depends on the length of the delay to their final destination and the original ticket price.

• Domestic Flights:
  • 1 to 2-hour arrival delay: 200% of the one-way fare, up to $775.
  • 2+ hour arrival delay: 400% of the one-way fare, up to $1,550.
• International Flights (departing the U.S.):
  • 1 to 4-hour arrival delay: 200% of the one-way fare, up to $775.
  • 4+ hour arrival delay: 400% of the one-way fare, up to $1,550.

These caps are adjusted periodically by the DOT. The compensation is typically paid in cash or check, though airlines may offer travel vouchers or free tickets. You are entitled to decline vouchers and insist on cash.

General Flight Delays and Cancellations

For delays or cancellations not related to overbooking, US airlines are generally not required to provide monetary compensation. However, they do have obligations and often offer assistance:

• Rebooking: Airlines are expected to rebook you on the next available flight to your destination at no additional charge. This might be on their own airline or a partner airline.
• Meals and Accommodation: While not federally mandated, many airlines will provide meal vouchers for significant delays and hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is required due to a delay or cancellation within their control (e.g., mechanical issues). Policies vary by airline, so it's crucial to check your airline's Contract of Carriage.
• Tarmac Delays: For lengthy tarmac delays (when the plane is on the ground but not at the gate), airlines are required to provide food, water, and working lavatories after two hours. After three hours for domestic flights (four hours for international), passengers must be given the option to deplane, unless there's a safety or security reason preventing it.

How to Claim Compensation

1. Know Your Rights: Understand the specific circumstances of your delay or denied boarding.
2. Document Everything: Keep all boarding passes, tickets, receipts for unexpected expenses (meals, accommodation), and notes on delay times and reasons given by the airline.
3. Speak to Airline Staff: At the airport, politely inquire about your options and compensation.
4. File a Complaint: If you believe you are entitled to compensation for denied boarding and the airline refuses, or if you have other issues, file a complaint directly with the airline. If unsatisfied, you can then file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Examples of Compensation Scenarios:

• Example 1 (Domestic Denied Boarding): You paid $300 for a one-way domestic flight. You were involuntarily denied boarding and arrived at your destination 2.5 hours late.
  • Calculation: 400% of $300 = $1,200.
  • Estimated Compensation: $1,200.00 (This is below the $1,550 cap for 2+ hour domestic delays).
• Example 2 (International Denied Boarding): You paid $800 for a one-way international flight departing the U.S. You were involuntarily denied boarding and arrived at your destination 5 hours late.
  • Calculation: 400% of $800 = $3,200.
  • Estimated Compensation: $1,550.00 (This is capped at $1,550 for 4+ hour international delays).
• Example 3 (Domestic Denied Boarding, Shorter Delay): You paid $200 for a one-way domestic flight. You were involuntarily denied boarding and arrived at your destination 1.5 hours late.
  • Calculation: 200% of $200 = $400.
  • Estimated Compensation: $400.00 (This is below the $775 cap for 1-2 hour domestic delays).

Remember, this calculator specifically addresses involuntarily denied boarding. For other types of delays, while direct cash compensation is rare under US law, airlines often provide rebooking, meals, or accommodation as a gesture of goodwill or as part of their own customer service policies.