KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.

If you are bumped against your will and the airline gets you to your destination between 1 and 2 hours late. This is one of the only situations in US law where cash compensation is mandatory.

If you are bumped and the airline cannot get you to your destination within 2 hours of your original arrival time. This is one of the only situations in US law where cash compensation is mandatory.

Airlines are liable for provable damages up to the limit. This is not a flat fee; you must prove value.

US DOT rules treat wheelchairs like an extension of the passenger's body. If an airline damages, loses, or destroys a wheelchair or mobility device, it must cover full repair or replacement costs and related reasonable expenses.

Airlines must allow you to get off the plane after 3 hours on the tarmac for domestic flights. There is still no automatic federal cash compensation for delays in the US—this rule is about your right to deplane and basic care only.

If delay is within airline control. €250 (<1500km), €400 (1500-3500km), €600 (>3500km). As of November 2025, EU institutions are debating reforms, but the 3+ hour threshold and these compensation bands still apply until new legislation takes effect.

Compensation applies unless extraordinary circumstances (weather, ATC strike). You also get meals/hotel. Proposed reforms in 2025 are being negotiated, but the core cancellation rights in EC 261/2004 remain in force.

Same compensation tiers as delays. Must be paid immediately in cash/check/transfer. Lawmakers are reviewing the regulation in 2025, but denied boarding compensation remains one of the strongest and clearest rights under EC 261/2004.

EU institutions are discussing a reform that would allow passengers to book their own rerouting (for example on another airline or mode of transport) and claim reimbursement – potentially up to 400% of the original ticket price – if the airline fails to offer rerouting within a set window. This is NOT yet in force, but it signals where EU law is heading.