Key Statutory Rules & Public Aviation Law Summary
How American and international travellers can claim mandatory US DOT automatic cash refunds, Montreal Convention international delay damages, and €600 / £520 on Europe/UK routes.
- Under US Department of Transportation (DOT) rules (14 CFR Part 260), passengers are entitled to an automatic, prompt full cash refund (not vouchers) whenever an airline cancels a flight or makes a significant schedule change (3+ hours domestic, 6+ hours international) and the passenger chooses not to travel.
- For US domestic flights, when an airline overbooks and involuntarily bumps you (Denied Boarding, 14 CFR Part 250), statutory cash compensation is up to 200% of the one-way fare (up to $775) for 1–2 hour arrival delays, and 400% (up to $1,550 USD) for 2+ hour delays.
- On transatlantic flights between the US and Europe/UK: all flights departing Europe/UK (including on Delta, United, American, JetBlue) and all US-departing flights operated by EU/UK airlines (British Airways, Virgin, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Aer Lingus, Iberia) qualify for €600 / £520 under EU261/UK261.
- All international flights touching the US are covered by the Montreal Convention 1999 for delayed/lost baggage (up to 1,288 SDR / ~$1,720 USD) and verifiable financial losses from international delays (up to 5,346 SDR).
Related Statutory Passenger Guides:
- Canada APPR Statutory Compensation ($400 to $1,000 CAD) & 1-Year Claim Window
- Cancelled Flight Compensation Matrix (7–14 Days vs Under 7 Days Notice)
- Involuntary Cabin Class Downgrade Statutory Reimbursement (30%, 50% or 75%)
- Delayed Checked Luggage Rules under the Montreal Convention (Article 17 & 31)
Public Statutory Information Disclaimer: AeroStatute provides general public educational information regarding Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, UK261, the Montreal Convention 1999, Canada APPR, and US DOT regulations. This tool does not provide formal legal advice or act as a law firm.