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Aviation Consumer Protection

In This Section

Consumer Resources

Fly Rights:  A comprehensive collection of information for air travelers.   Plane Talk:  Fact sheets and links on topics like flight delays, baggage and more.   Tell it to the Judge:  Taking an airline to small claims court.   When Kids Fly...

Bumping & Oversales

p, pre { margin: 0.5em 0; } Bumping

The vast majority of the time, passengers don’t have any problems boarding their flights.  But occasionally, airlines may “bump” passengers and have them give up their seats.  Bumping, also known as “denied boarding,” happens when there...

Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Baggage

While the vast majority of airline passengers’ checked bags arrive at their destination on time and in the condition received, a passengers’ bag may occasionally become damaged, delayed, or lost in transit.  Under DOT regulations (for domestic travel) and international treaties (for...

Refunds

Travel plans sometimes change and you may want a refund for a purchased airline ticket or other related services such as baggage or seat fees.  This page contains useful information to determine whether you are entitled to a refund for air fare or services related to a scheduled flight....

Buying a Ticket

Before You Buy a Ticket

Comparing ticket prices, analyzing ticket restrictions, and comparing the cost of optional services is all part of the ticket buying process.  DOT has in place passenger protection requirements to make this process easier for consumers.

Comparing Ticket...

Tarmac Delays

What is a “Tarmac Delay”? A tarmac delay occurs when an airplane on the ground is either awaiting takeoff or has just landed and passengers do not have the opportunity to get off the plane.  The Department’s tarmac delay rule applies only to tarmac delays that occur at U.S. airports...