What is the airline compensation 400%?

Decoding the 400% Flight Delay Compensation: What You Need to Know

Flight delays. They’re the bane of every traveler’s existence, capable of throwing carefully laid plans into disarray and sparking a wave of frustration that can ripple through an entire airport. But what happens when a seemingly minor delay stretches into an extended ordeal, costing you precious time and potentially impacting your onward journey? The good news is, depending on the situation and where you’re flying, you might be entitled to compensation. And that compensation, under certain circumstances in the US, can reach a significant 400% of your ticket price.

This eye-catching figure isn’t some kind of lottery win, though. It’s a specific regulation tied to denied boarding situations arising from lengthy domestic flight delays. Let’s break it down:

The Key: It’s About “Bumped” Passengers After a Delay, Not Just the Delay Itself

The 400% compensation figure doesn’t magically appear just because your flight is two hours late. It’s directly linked to airlines overselling flights and then needing to “bump” passengers from the delayed flight to make room on a replacement or re-routed aircraft.

Here’s the scenario:

1. Significant Domestic Delay: Your domestic flight is delayed for a considerable period, exceeding two hours. This significantly impacts the airline’s schedule.
2. Overselling and Rerouting: The airline needs to get passengers to their destinations. To do this, they might overbook replacement flights to maximize efficiency and minimize empty seats.
3. Voluntary and Involuntary Bumping: The airline will first ask for volunteers willing to give up their seat in exchange for compensation. If not enough people volunteer, passengers may be involuntarily bumped – meaning they are denied boarding.
4. Compensation Kicks In: If you are involuntarily bumped from a flight after a delay that resulted in your arrival at your final destination being more than two hours late (for domestic flights), you are entitled to compensation.

Understanding the 400% Rule

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates this compensation. The regulations state that airlines must compensate passengers who are involuntarily bumped from a flight due to overbooking, after a significant delay, according to the following schedule:

• 0-2 hour delay: If the airline can get you to your final destination within 2 hours of your original scheduled arrival time, you are not entitled to denied boarding compensation.
• 1-2 hour delay (International flights): Passengers delayed 1-4 hours are eligible for 200% of their one-way ticket price, capped at $775.
• 2+ hour delay (Domestic Flights) or 4+ hour delay (International Flights): Passengers are eligible for 400% of their one-way ticket price, capped at $1,550, now $2,150 (Adjusted for Inflation). This is the “400%” you often hear about.

Important Considerations:

• “One-Way Fare” Clarification: This is the price of your ticket for that specific leg of the journey. If you have a round-trip ticket, the compensation is calculated based on the cost of the one-way flight you were bumped from.
• Payment Methods: Airlines can offer compensation in cash or travel vouchers. However, if you choose a voucher, the value of the voucher must be greater than the cash alternative, and there should be no hidden restrictions. You have the right to choose cash if you prefer.
• Exclusions: There are situations where you are not entitled to denied boarding compensation, even if bumped. This includes if you were late to the gate, your flight was canceled due to weather, or the airline had to substitute an aircraft for safety reasons.
• Inflation Adjustment: The cap amount is adjusted periodically to account for inflation. Be sure to check the latest regulations on the DOT website for the most up-to-date information.

What to Do if You Think You’re Entitled to Compensation:

1. Speak to the Airline Representative: Immediately after being bumped, speak to a customer service representative at the airport. Ask for clarification on why you were bumped and what compensation you are entitled to.
2. Document Everything: Keep all your boarding passes, baggage claim tickets, and any written communication from the airline.
3. File a Complaint: If you believe you are entitled to compensation and the airline is not cooperating, file a formal complaint with the DOT. You can find information on how to do this on their website.

While the thought of getting 400% of your ticket price back might seem appealing, remember that it’s only applicable in a specific scenario involving denied boarding after a significant delay. Understanding the rules and your rights can empower you to navigate flight disruptions more effectively and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself – you might be surprised by the outcome.