How do I ask an airline for compensation?

Tweeting at the airline's customer service team, submitting a request for compensation online or writing a letter the old fashioned way are other options that have met with success…



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Whenever a flight is canceled or delayed, it causes huge headaches for travelers, but they're not always owed the relief they think they deserve. U.S. airlines are not required to offer compensation for delays outside their control, like severe weather or air traffic control issues.

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The amount of flight delay compensation United States travelers can claim varies. There's a maximum of $700 (excluding accommodation and food costs, which airlines may have to cover). But even short delays can incur penalties of $200 or more.

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In the United States, airlines are not required to compensate passengers when flights are delayed or cancelled. Compensation is required by U.S. law only when certain passengers are “bumped” from a flight that is oversold.

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The number-one thing airlines are looking for in a complaint is data, according to JetBlue spokeswoman Jenny Dervin. They want to know what flight number you were on, what day, what time, and exactly what happened. The trick is to write this into a reasonable, cordial complaint without sounding like a crazy person.

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I have attached a copy of [state any copy of documents you attached to the letter] to this letter. I am now asking that [name of airline] provide a refund of my flight for [total refund requested] as per [name of airline]'s refund policy. Please refund this balance to [state where you want the refund sent to].

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Our pick of the best flight compensation companies
  • Skycop.com: Top choice overall.
  • AirHelp.com: Most widely recognized.
  • ClaimCompass.eu: Superior value.
  • Flightright.com: Most adaptive.
  • Flight-Delayed.co.uk: Most user-friendly.
  • AirAdvisor.com: Smoothest interface experience.
  • Refundmore.com: Utmost reliability.


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If airlines cancel a flight for any reason, passengers are legally entitled to a full refund, including for ticket price, taxes, baggage fees, extra charges and ancillary fees. Travelers must receive that refund within seven business days if they paid by credit card, and within 20 days if by cash or check.

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My flight is delayed - am I entitled to money or other compensation from the airline? No. There are no federal laws requiring airlines to provide passengers with money or other compensation when their flights are delayed.

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Under EU261 rules, you may be entitled to up to 600 euros (~$630) in compensation if you arrive at your destination four hours late (or more) when flying long-haul, with lower payouts on shorter flights within Europe.

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In 2022 , 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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