You always get to keep your original ticket and use it on another flight. If you choose to make your own arrangements, you can request an involuntary refund for the ticket for the flight you were bumped from. The denied boarding compensation is essentially a payment for your inconvenience.

When a flight "bumps" you—a process technically known as Involuntary Denied Boarding—it usually happens because the airline oversold the flight and there were not enough volunteers to stay behind. Under U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and similar international regulations in 2026, you are entitled to significant compensation based on the length of the delay to your final destination. If the airline rebooks you and you arrive within 1 to 2 hours of your original domestic arrival time (1 to 4 hours internationally), they must pay you 200% of your one-way fare, up to $1,075. For delays longer than that, the compensation jumps to 400% of the fare, up to $2,150. Beyond cash, the airline is often required to provide meals, communication, and hotel accommodations if an overnight stay is necessary. It is important to note that "bumping" rules do not apply if you are late to the gate, if the aircraft is swapped for a smaller one for safety reasons, or if there are weight-and-balance issues on a small plane.