Travel

No, airlines cannot charge hidden fees not disclosed at the time of booking. Federal law prohibits unfair or deceptive practices, including failing to clearly disclose all mandatory fees before purchase.

If you're involuntarily bumped from an overbooked U.S. domestic flight, you're entitled to cash compensation based on the delay: $0 if rebooked within 1 hour, 200% of your one-way fare (up to $1,175) for delays of 1–2 hours, or 400% of your one-way fare (up to $2,350) for delays over 2 hours.

Yes, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) can fine airlines for chronically delayed flights if the delays result from unfair or deceptive practices under 49 U.S.C. § 41712.

If your flight is canceled and the airline refuses to rebook you, federal law prohibits airlines from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices—including unreasonably denying rebooking—under 49 U.S.C. § 41712.

Yes, U.S. airlines must provide food, water, restroom access, and medical assistance during tarmac delays exceeding 3 hours for domestic flights and 4 hours for international flights.

Yes, airlines can limit compensation for lost or damaged bags under federal law, but only if the limitation is reasonable and not unfair or deceptive under 49 U.S.C. § 41712.

Yes, airlines in the U.S. may charge fees to check bags, as federal law does not prohibit such fees and treats them as part of the airline's pricing discretion.

Yes, airlines may refuse to transport a passenger for legitimate safety reasons, as long as the decision is not unfair, deceptive, or discriminatory under federal law.

Yes, U.S. customs officers may search your luggage and personal belongings at the border without a warrant or probable cause under the 'border search exception' to the Fourth Amendment.

Yes, U.S. customs officers may search your phone or laptop at the border without a warrant or suspicion under the 'border search exception' to the Fourth Amendment.

Yes, you must declare all items you purchased abroad when returning to the U.S., including gifts and items for others — but you may qualify for a $800 duty-free exemption if you’re a U.S. resident returning after at least 48 hours.

Yes, federal law imposes civil penalties, seizure of prohibited items, and possible criminal prosecution for bringing prohibited items through U.S. customs.

As a U.S. citizen entering the country, you must truthfully declare all goods you are bringing in, pay applicable duties, and cooperate with CBP inspections — failure to do so may result in penalties or seizure of items.

A person is inadmissible to the United States if they fall into one of several statutory categories—including health-related grounds, criminal history, security concerns, public charge risk, immigration violations, or lack of required documentation—under 8 U.S.C. § 1182.

Yes, you can be denied entry to the U.S. because of a criminal conviction — certain convictions make you inadmissible under federal immigration law.

Noncitizens may be deported (or denied entry) for reasons including criminal convictions, security threats, health-related grounds, fraud or misrepresentation, and failure to meet immigration requirements.

Yes, your green card can be revoked if you commit certain crimes, including aggravated felonies, drug offenses, or crimes involving moral turpitude.

Yes, you can be detained by immigration authorities without immediate access to a lawyer, but you have the right to consult and retain counsel at your own expense — the government is not required to provide one.

No, airlines cannot refuse boarding solely because of your disability — federal law prohibits discrimination in air travel based on disability.

Yes, U.S. airlines must accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices under the Air Carrier Access Act, including stowing them in the cargo hold at no extra charge and providing assistance from curb to gate.

No, emotional support animals (ESAs) are not required to be allowed on flights under current U.S. federal law; only psychiatric service animals and other trained service animals qualify for accommodation.

Yes, you may apply for asylum in the U.S. if you fear persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group — but you must generally file within one year of arrival.

Yes, you may be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if you are a citizen of a participating country, have an e-passport, and meet other requirements — but VWP eligibility depends on whether you are deemed inadmissible under U.S. law.

If you overstay your U.S. visa, you begin accruing unlawful presence, which can trigger bars to reentry (3-year or 10-year), make you ineligible for many immigration benefits, and subject you to removal proceedings.

All motor vehicles sold or introduced into interstate commerce in the U.S. must comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) established under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.