Know your rights when you fly

Vouchers might not be the best option

Delays, cancelations, lost luggage, there are a lot of things that can mess up your plans when you travel by air. Most of the time, it seems, there's nothing we can do about it. But you do have some rights when you fly.

We've all been there: You're waiting to board and you learn your flight was overbooked. It's not illegal for airlines to do it, but if you get bumped through no fault of your own; and the airline can't get you to your destination within an hour of your original arrival time, it is required to pay you double for your one-way fare... up to $650.

If the delay is more than two hours for domestic flights or the airline doesn't make alternative travel plans for you, it owes you four times your airfare... up to $1300. Airfare Watchdog warns some airlines will offer you vouchers, and if you accept them they may be worth less than the cash. Vouchers also usually come with black-out dates when you can't use them to fly.

If the delays don't start until after you've boarded the plane, the Department of Transportation prohibits airlines from keeping planes waiting for more than three hours.


About the Author:

Passionate consumer advocate, mom of 3, addicted to coffee, hairspray and pastries.