Although airlines in the U.S. and around the world are required to meet specific service standards and adhere to industry regulations, they aren’t always liable for every inconvenience or mishap that may arise during your travels. This article explores situations where airlines are not legally obligated to compensate passengers.
Inconvenience Due to Flight Changes
Flight changes may be frustrating and potentially disruptive to your other travel plans, but the airline is only obligated to inform you within a certain timeframe. The flight provider doesn’t have to compensate you for missed connections, disrupted travel plans, or additional expenses due to the alteration, so long as they give you at least 14 days’ notice.
The Total Value of Damaged Hold Luggage
While airlines are liable for damage to checke luggage, the amount of compensation you receive is capped and often limited by the carrier’s specific policies. If the quality or condition of your luggage is to blame, you might not get anything. Even if it is the airline’s fault, you’re unlikely to be reimbursed entirely, especially for high-value items like professional cameras.
Discomfort on Board
Airlines are not obligated to compensate their customers for an uncomfortable or inconvenient flight experience. Although noisy passengers, cramped seating, or inadequate food and drink service can be frustrating and annoying, don’t expect any type of refund. They may offer coupons or apologies if you report your disapproval, but they aren’t legally bound to do so.
Delays or Cancellations
The National Security Law Firm states, “In the United States, airlines are not required to compensate passengers when flights are canceled or delayed.” Even when traveling through Europe, airlines will only compensate you for significant delays that aren’t the result of events beyond their control.
Emotional Distress
Travel delays can be beyond stressful—especially if you have a medical condition or vital appointment or are traveling with young children. Unfortunately, the emotional distress you suffer due to flight delays, cancellations, or turbulence isn’t the airline’s responsibility, although many offer extra physical assistance to those in genuine need.
Missed Flights Due to Personal Reasons
No matter how important, unfair, or heartbreaking they may be, your personal problems are not the airline’s responsibility, even if you’re unavoidably detained from boarding. They certainly aren’t required to take action should you oversleep, get stuck in traffic, or get the time wrong! You’ll have to pay a fee to rebook or purchase tickets for an entirely new flight.
Refreshments During Delays
The U.S. Department of Transportation reveals that American airlines are only required to offer food or drink after a tarmac delay exceeding two hours. Unless the delay falls under extraordinary circumstances or exceeds this threshold, you must purchase refreshments yourself or remain hungry/thirsty!
Items in Lost Checked Bags
Airlines are required by law to locate and return lost checked baggage, but compensation for lost items within the bag might not be covered (or might be capped). They are also not bound by any timeframe, so replacing the item early out of necessity won’t be a compensable expense either. For high-value items, always purchase separate, specific insurance.
Missed Work
While missing work due to flight disruptions can be frustrating, airlines are not obligated to compensate passengers for lost wages or missed opportunities arising from such situations. It simply wouldn’t be feasible to do so, according to AirHelp. In rare circumstances, flight delays over three hours warrant compensation, but not for lost earnings.
Medical Expenses Due to Normal Flying Discomfort
Suppose you experience minor discomfort during the flight, such as ear aches, motion sickness, or headaches. In that case, this isn’t the airline’s responsibility—no matter how bumpy the flight or landing! However, many cabin staff will offer things like lozenges, vomit bags, free water, or pillows to help passengers who are suffering while onboard.
Missed Pre-Booked Services
If your flight is delayed or canceled, you may miss pre-booked, pre-paid services like airport lounges, quick passes, or specific in-flight meals. While the service is often transferred to a later flight or rebooking, the airline is not obligated to provide a refund or offer any compensation if such services cannot be provided.
Seat Class Demotion
Even if you’re involuntarily downgraded from your purchased seat class due to operational reasons, the airline isn’t obligated to compensate you for the additional discomfort and disappointment. Most airlines will automatically refund you the price difference, but don’t expect to receive extra cash for the inconvenience, even if it’s a special occasion like a honeymoon.
Missed Connections Due to Weather
According to Travel + Leisure, airlines are only obliged to compensate you for a missed connection if the reason for your late arrival was within their control. This does not include missed connections for things like unforeseen weather conditions or strike actions. However, they’re often required to rebook you on the next available flight or offer an alternative route.
Missed Flight Due to Late Arrival
Even if you arrive late at the airport through no fault of your own, the airline isn’t responsible, and you may not even be liable for any type of refund. Unnaturally high traffic volumes, late trains or buses, road work, or parking delays aren’t the airline’s problem, so don’t expect any compensation for missed flights due to these reasons.
Incorrect Special Meals
If you pre-order a special meal (like vegetarian, halal, or diabetic) and it is not available on board or is delivered to the wrong passenger, the airline isn’t obligated to compensate you unless you paid extra for it. They may offer an apology or a replacement meal (which may not suit your needs), but they’re not legally required to provide a certain type of meal.
Missed Connecting Flights Due to Immigration
The airline has no control over the immigration procedure that is enforced at border crossings, so they won’t compensate you if you missed a connecting flight because you were stuck in an immigration line. Make your situation known to airport staff, who might offer to fast-track you. If that fails, your airline will help to rebook you on the next available flight.
Lost or Damaged Mobility Aids
Airline staff are legally required to handle mobility aids (wheelchairs, canes, etc.) with care, but the airline isn’t liable for the cost of a brand-new replacement should any damage or loss occur. You may be entitled to partial compensation (depending on the item’s condition) or nothing if the damage was caused by previous wear and tear or insufficient protection.
