Department of Transportation rules & regulations

United States: Rules & Regulations

As a traveler, you're entitled to certain rights during your travel experience. For example, you may qualify for a refund from your airline, in some situations.
This article helps you understand what those rights are, but it is not intended as legal advice.
The summary below applies to you if your flight is to, from, within, or traveling through the United States (US).
The ruling authority is the Department of Transportation (DOT). They have the latest and most complete information on their website.

On this article we cover:

• Airline Schedule Change (refers to the changes made by your airline)

• Airfares and baggage fees

• Serious Communicable Diseases

Airline Schedule Change Regulations

What it means

If the airline has delayed or canceled your flight, they may offer you the ability to choose a new flight, to accept an airline credit or voucher, or to cancel for a refund.
If you don’t take one of these actions, you may still be eligible for a refund under the Department of Transportation (DOT) refund regulations.

When does it apply to me?

You’re eligible for a refund of the cost of the flight and purchased add-ons (such as additional baggage, seat selection, upgrades, drinks and meals) if your original scheduled flight is impacted in one or more of the following ways:

• Your flight is cancelled.

• Your flight is within the United States and the departure or arrival time is changed by 3 or more hours. You may also be entitled to a refund due to multiple flight changes or delays that meet these criteria.

• Your flight is international, and the departure or arrival time is changed by 6 or more hours. You may also be entitled to a refund due to multiple flight changes or delays that meet these criteria.

• There is a change to your arrival or departure airport.

• There is an increase in the number of stops or connections.

• You are downgraded to a lower class of service.

• You're a passenger with a disability and:

  • One or more connecting airports got added to your original itinerary by the airline.

  • You no longer have the accessibility features you need because the airline changes planes.

  • You no longer have the accessibility features you need because the airline moved you to a lower class of service.

  • You’re travelling with a wheelchair or mobility scooter which cannot fit onto the aircraft of your preferred flight.

• You're traveling on the same reservation as a passenger with a disability who decided not to travel due to one of these changes.

If you bought a separate ticket (that is a roundtrip consisting of two one-way fares), check each flight. The fees and baggage policies could be different on your outbound and return flights.
Please read the DOT official website for further details. If you need to request a refund, get in touch.

Airfares and baggage fees

Fares listed on our site include the cost of your flight, and any applicable taxes and fees.
Some listed fares may not include fees for baggage, advance seat selection, meals, drinks or other add-ons.
Keep in mind that, if you have multiple airlines on your itinerary, the applicable fees and baggage policies might be different on your outbound and return flights.
You may be eligible for a refund of any additional baggage fees if your checked bag is significantly delayed, as follows:

• Domestic flights within the US: 12 hours or more.

• International flights to or from the US with a duration of 12 hours or less: 15 hours or more.

• International flights to or from the US with a duration of more than 12 hours: 30 hours or more.

• The 15-hour time period applies even if your itinerary is international with a duration of more than 12 hours; if its US segment is 12 hours or less.

To be eligible you'll need to fill out the airline’s mishandled baggage report. Ask your airline about it. You can go to their airport counter or contact them using the information on your itinerary or confirmation email.

Serious Communicable Diseases

You may be eligible to receive a voucher or travel credit from the airline if you cannot travel, or if you need to cancel your travel, for the following reasons:

• Serious communicable disease

• Relevant governmental restriction

• Public health emergency

• Medical advice

A serious communicable disease is an illness that has serious health consequences and can be easily transmitted by casual contact in an aircraft cabin.

What should I do:

• You'll need to contact the airline directly. The airline may require you to provide relevant proof such as a medical certificate or other documentary evidence. You can find their latest contact information on your itinerary or confirmation email.

• If you're scheduled to travel within the next 72 hours, please also contact us so that we may cancel your booking.

The airline has the final decision. They also decide what documentary evidence you need to provide.
If the airline does give you a travel credit or voucher for this reason, you’ll need to redeem it directly with them.