How do I file a claim with an airline?

Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation from the airline. To file a claim with the DOT, you'll need to submit an online complaint form available on the DOT's website. ?After you submit a claim, the DOT will process it within a few weeks, then forward it to the airline and request a response.



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The first thing you should do when your flight is canceled is to make sure you keep all your travel documents such as tickets, luggage tags and boarding passes. The airline will request these as supporting documents for your reimbursement claim. Secondly, contact the airline and explain your situation.

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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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This concerned flight <enter the flight number that is on your ticket>. Upon arrival at the final destination, the flight had incurred a delay of <number of hours>. I am therefore of the opinion that I am entitled to financial compensation.

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If you are involuntarily bumped, the DOT requires each airline to compensate involuntarily bumped passengers via check or cash. The amount you receive from the airline depends on the price of the ticket you purchased and the length of the delay.

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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.


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If you contact the airline or ticket agent to obtain a required refund and you are refused that refund, you should file a complaint against the airline or ticket agent with the Department at https://secure.dot.gov/air-travel-complaint.

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Filing a complaint with an airline or a ticket agent.
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).

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There is also a cap on the amount of money airlines are required to compensate you if your bags are lost, damaged or delayed. The maximum liability amount allowed by the DOT is $3,800 per passenger.

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There are circumstances when you may be able to obtain some manner of refund for a non-refundable ticket. As mentioned above, airlines are required by law to provide full refunds to all buyers, regardless of ticket type, who cancel within 24 hours of booking tickets that they purchased at least seven days in advance.

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Most airlines allow you to request a refund directly on their websites. Even if you don't think the airline will grant you a refund, it's worth a try.

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Air travel isn't always fun. Things go wrong. And while you're unlikely to get compensated because a summer thunderstorm made your plane late, it's often worth complaining to the airlines and seeing what you can get for your travel inconveniences.

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In some cases, international carriers may deny claims based on situations out of their control, such as the aforementioned weather, as well as other issues like labor disputes. In these situations, your only recourse may be hiring legal representation, either through an attorney or a flight delay compensation company.

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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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Yes, it's possible to dispute a non-refundable airline ticket, but success depends on the airline's policies and the reason for the dispute. You can try contacting the airline's customer service and explaining your situation.

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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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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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