For what reasons can you sue an airline?

Common Complaints and Lawsuits Against Airlines
  • An airline has damaged your luggage.
  • An airline has breached a term under its contract of carriage.
  • An airline has canceled your flight.
  • You were bumped from a flight because the airline overbooked it.
  • An airline has lost or delayed delivery of your luggage.




People Also Ask

Yes, there are many circumstances under which you may rightfully sue an airline. Common situations giving rise to airline complaints include: Personal Injury. Physical and Emotional Distress.

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When passengers fear for their lives due to some type of airline mishap, they can sue an airline for emotional distress to receive compensation.

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Complaints about an airline or TSA
If the airline does not fix the problem, file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Airline safety - Contact the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) hotline. Airline security - Contact the TSA through their security issue web form.

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Alternative to Small Claims: File a Complaint Against the Airline with the Department of Transportation. Besides suing in small claims court you can also file a complaint against an airline with the DOT. The DOT's Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (ACPD) reviews and responds to consumer complaints against airlines ...

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Delayed and Canceled Flights
If you find yourself with a delayed flight due to one of these reasons, ask the original airline if it will pay for a ticket on another airline. The DOT does not require the airline to offer compensation, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

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Suing an Airline for Negligence in Small Claims Court Before suing an airline for emotional distress or personal injury, you may want to consider consulting with a lawyer. Most of the time personal injury lawyers have free consultations where they can let you know what they think of your case.

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DOT requires airlines to acknowledge consumer complaints within 30 days of receiving them and to send consumers written responses addressing these complaints within 60 days of receiving them (30 days for disability-related complaints). DOT also asks that ticket agents respond to consumer who file complaints with them.

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Common Complaints and Lawsuits Against Airlines
Generally, yes you can sue an airline in small claims court. The U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”), which is a federal agency that regulates airlines operating in the U.S, even publishes a Consumer's Guide to Small Claims Court.

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U.S. law and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations exempt airlines from lawsuits by passengers in most circumstances. You may be able to sue in small claims court, but in most cases you can resolve the problem by working directly with the airline or filing a complaint with the DOT.

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Airline liability
  • International laws for air travel.
  • Death or injury to passengers.
  • Lost or damaged luggage.
  • Delayed passengers and luggage.
  • Missing or damaged luggage.
  • Claiming compensation.


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According to the DOT, airlines are not required to provide money or other compensation when flights get delayed, regardless of how late they are. However, when a “significant delay” takes place, passengers may receive refunds for seat selection fees or checked baggage fees.

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Southwest Airlines passenger sues airline for failing to offer 'prompt refunds' after travel meltdown.

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For the most part, it's up to individual airlines to decide how to compensate their passengers after a delay. “There's no specific policy on compensations, said Shaiy Howard, president and CEO of Travel by Shaiy, a travel agency based in South Florida. Just keep in mind that all airlines vary.

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In 2022 year, Frontier Airlines reported 20.26 customer complaints for each 100,000 enplanements on domestic-scheduled operations. This was the highest rate of customer complaints among U.S. carriers.

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When it comes to travelers biggest complaints, uncomfortable seats/limited legroom is at the very top of the list, followed by added fees. Percentage of travelers who like these things the least when they fly.

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When you first contact your airline, aim to set out your case clearly and concisely. Explain what happened and when, and why you feel you are entitled to receive a payment. Send your claim to the airline's customer relations department. You can escalate your complaint if you don't get the result you hoped for.

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Take the airline to court
If the airline has denied your compensation, the next step is to take them to court.

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