Involuntary Denied Boarding Compensation
Bumped from your flight because the airline oversold it? You could be entitled to up to 400% of your one-way fare in cash.
Your Rights Under US Rules
What US Department of Transportation rules and airline commitments say for this situation. Use it to frame your request and escalate if needed.
Eligible involuntarily bumped passengers receive 200% or 400% of their one-way fare, subject to $1,075 or $2,150 limits depending on the replacement itinerary.
Compensation is not required if the airline arranges alternate transportation that arrives within 1 hour of your original arrival time.
You must have a confirmed reservation, checked in on time, and arrived at the boarding gate on time to be eligible.
Sources: DOT: Refunds · DOT: Fly Rights · DOT: Airline Customer Service Dashboard · 14 CFR Part 260
Last reviewed October 6, 2026. General information, not legal advice; rules and airline commitments change.
What to say to the airline
Keep the request factual, specific, and supported by the records you saved.
Ask the gate agent to provide a written statement detailing your rights and explaining why you were bumped.
Explicitly ask for a check or cash compensation right at the airport.
Verify the arrival time of the rebooked flight they offer you, as it determines your compensation amount.
Avoid: Do not volunteer to be bumped unless the compensation offered is high enough for you (and ensure it's in a form you can use). Once you volunteer, DOT mandatory compensation rules no longer apply.
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