WASHINGTON (AP) — Passengers who are bumped from flights due to overbooking may be entitled to compensation, according to U.S.-based attorney and personal finance expert Erika Kullberg. Kullberg recently highlighted a viral video on her Instagram account that shows a passenger being bumped off a flight because the airline oversold tickets. The video has garnered over 19 million views since it was posted on January 4.
In the video, Kullberg advises passengers not to leave the airport without claiming their compensation if they are bumped from a flight. She also emphasizes that airlines must provide compensation on the same day if they book the passenger on another flight and they leave the airport before being paid. This requirement is outlined by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
The practice of overbooking flights is not illegal, according to the DOT. However, passengers who are involuntarily bumped from a flight are entitled to compensation. The DOT requires airlines to provide a written statement to bumped passengers, describing their rights and explaining how the airline determines who gets on an oversold flight.
To be eligible for compensation, passengers must meet certain requirements. They must have a confirmed reservation, check in on time, and arrive at the departure gate on time. Additionally, if the airline cannot get the passenger to their destination within one hour of the flight’s original arrival time, compensation may be due.
The amount of compensation depends on the price of the ticket and the length of the delay. If the rescheduled flight arrives between one and two hours later (or between one and four hours for international flights), the airline must pay a minimum of 200 percent of the one-way fare or $775, whichever is lower. If the rescheduled flight arrives more than two hours later (or four hours for international flights), or if the airline fails to make substitute travel arrangements, the minimum compensation doubles to 400 percent of the one-way fare or $1,550, whichever is lower.
If an airline refuses to pay the required compensation, passengers should first request a written statement describing their rights and show the airline the DOT’s language that guarantees compensation. If the issue is not resolved, passengers can submit a written statement to the airline, outlining the problem and the lack of compensation received. If the airline still fails to provide satisfactory assistance, passengers can escalate the issue to the DOT and file a claim.
Kullberg aims to raise awareness of passenger rights in situations like being bumped from a flight. In addition to compensation for being bumped, passengers are also entitled to reimbursement if their bags are lost, damaged, or delayed, according to the DOT. The maximum reimbursement amount is $3,800.
Passengers who experience flight disruptions and encounter issues with receiving compensation have options for seeking resolution. Understanding their rights and advocating for themselves can help passengers navigate these situations more effectively.