US FederalWhat compensation am I entitled to if an airline bumps me from an overbooked flight?
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.
What the Law Says
Federal law prohibits airlines from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices—including bumping passengers without proper compensation. The Department of Transportation (DOT) enforces specific rules under its authority delegated by 49 U.S.C. § 41712, which empowers the Secretary to investigate and penalize unfair airline practices.
While 49 U.S.C. § 41712 itself does not list dollar amounts or bumping procedures, it authorizes the DOT to issue regulations that define unfair practices — including involuntary denial of boarding (i.e., bumping). The current compensation rules come from DOT regulations codified at 14 C.F.R. Part 250, which are enforceable under § 41712’s anti-unfair-practice mandate.
These rules apply to all scheduled U.S. air carriers operating flights departing from or arriving in the United States. Compensation is calculated based on your one-way ticket price (not round-trip), the length of the delay in reaching your final destination, and whether the flight is domestic or international.
Statutory TextThe Secretary of Transportation may bring a civil action against a person that engages in an unfair or deceptive practice or an unfair method of competition.
— 49 U.S.C. § 41712 — Unfair airline practices
What to Do
Ask the airline agent if you’re being involuntarily bumped (not volunteering) — only involuntary bumps trigger compensation.
Get written confirmation of the bumping and rebooking details, including new arrival time.
Calculate your eligibility: if rebooked to arrive ≤1 hour late → $0; 1–2 hours late → 200% of one-way fare (max $1,175); >2 hours late → 400% of one-way fare (max $2,350).
Request compensation in cash (or check) immediately at the airport — airlines must offer it before you leave the gate area.
If denied or unpaid, file a complaint with the DOT at https://www.airconsumer.gov
Sources
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UKNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.