US Rights

MySkyHelp: Your Trusted Partner for Flight Compensation

Been impacted by a delayed, cancelled, or overbooked flight in the United States? Unlike Europe, the US doesn't have a single, comprehensive "passenger rights" law. Instead, your entitlements are governed by a combination of US Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and the airline's own Contract of Carriage. This can be complex, but MySkyHelp is here to simplify it, fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Understanding US Airline Passenger Rights: What the DOT Says

US Flight Compensation: Your Rights Under Department of Transportation Regulations

When flying within or to/from the United States, your passenger rights are primarily outlined by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). It's important to understand that these regulations differ significantly from those in Europe. While there's no fixed cash compensation for most delays or cancellations, specific protections exist, especially for overbooking.

Key Protections Under US DOT Regulations:

1. Denied Boarding (Overbooking): This is the strongest area of passenger protection in the US. If you are involuntarily denied boarding because a flight is overbooked, the airline must provide you with compensation.

   • Compensation for Denied Boarding:
     • 0-1 hour delay: No compensation.
     • 1-2 hour delay (domestic) / 1-4 hour delay (international): 200% of the one-way fare, up to $775.
     • Over 2 hour delay (domestic) / Over 4 hour delay (international): 400% of the one-way fare, up to $1,550.
     • The airline must also rebook you on another flight.
   • Important: If you volunteer to give up your seat, the compensation is negotiable, not fixed by law.

2. Tarmac Delays: The DOT has strict rules regarding tarmac delays:

   • Domestic Flights: Airlines cannot keep passengers on the tarmac for more than 3 hours without returning to the gate to deplane passengers.
   • International Flights: This limit is extended to 4 hours.
   • During these delays, airlines must provide food, water, operational lavatories, and medical attention if needed after two hours.

3. Flight Cancellations: There is no federal regulation requiring airlines to provide specific monetary compensation for most cancelled flights.

   • However, if your flight is cancelled, the airline is generally obligated to offer you a refund for the unused portion of your ticket or rebook you on the next available flight at no extra cost, even on a different airline.
   • Any other assistance (e.g., hotel vouchers, meal vouchers) for cancelled flights is at the airline's discretion and outlined in their Contract of Carriage.

4. Flight Delays: Similar to cancellations, there are no federal regulations mandating fixed cash compensation for delays.

   • Airline policies for delays (e.g., providing meals, hotel rooms) are outlined in their Contract of Carriage. This document is legally binding and varies by airline.

Understanding the "Contract of Carriage":

Each US airline has a Contract of Carriage, a lengthy legal document that outlines its policies on everything from baggage to compensation for delays and cancellations. While the DOT sets minimum standards, the Contract of Carriage often dictates how an airline will handle specific situations. It's crucial to understand that these can vary greatly.

Expert Insight from MySkyHelp: "US airline passenger rights can be confusing because there isn't one simple rule. It's a patchwork of DOT regulations and individual airline policies. MySkyHelp navigates these complexities, meticulously reviewing your situation against both federal laws and the airline's specific Contract of Carriage to find every angle for your compensation and get you what you deserve."

While US regulations for flight compensation are less comprehensive than in other regions, there are still significant opportunities to claim what you're owed, particularly in cases of overbooking and by leveraging airline policies. MySkyHelp's expertise in US airline practices and DOT regulations is your key to success and a stress-free experience.

Useful Tips for Passengers:

• Focus on Denied Boarding: If you were involuntarily denied boarding due to an overbooked flight, your claim is strong. Insist on cash compensation rather than flight vouchers. The DOT mandates cash for involuntary denied boarding within the specified limits.
• Document Everything: Even for delays and cancellations that don't have mandatory cash compensation, keep detailed records.
  • Flight Information: Boarding passes, booking confirmations.
  • Reason for Disruption: Always ask the airline for the specific reason for the delay or cancellation in writing. This is crucial for future reference.
  • Expenses Incurred: Keep receipts for any additional expenses you had to pay because of the disruption (e.g., unexpected meals, alternative transportation, hotel stays). These can be crucial for pursuing a refund or negotiation for damages.
• Know Your Airline's Contract of Carriage: While complex, understanding your specific airline's promises for delays or cancellations is vital. This document can be a powerful tool.
• Understand Your Choices for Cancellations/Significant Delays: If your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed, airlines generally must offer you the choice between a refund for the unused portion of your ticket or rebooking on the next available flight, even on another airline.

Why MySkyHelp is Your Premier Partner for US Claims:

• Overbooking Specialists: We excel at securing the maximum compensation for involuntarily denied boarding, ensuring airlines comply with DOT mandates. We make sure you get every dollar you're owed.
• Contract of Carriage Analysis: We cut through the legalese of airline policies, analyzing their specific Contract of Carriage to identify your precise rights and entitlements. We find the leverage points you might miss.
• Expert Negotiation & Advocacy: For situations not covered by mandatory compensation, airlines may still offer goodwill gestures, especially if you can demonstrate significant inconvenience or expenses. MySkyHelp can help you present a compelling case persuasively to maximize your recovery.
• DOT Complaint Assistance: If an airline fails to adhere to its own Contract of Carriage or DOT regulations (especially for denied boarding or tarmac delays), filing a complaint with the Department of Transportation can be an effective step. MySkyHelp can guide you through and manage this process entirely.
• Hassle-Free Process: From initial assessment to communicating with the airline and the DOT, we handle the entire process, saving you immense time, stress, and frustration.

Case Study: Mark, a MySkyHelp client, was involuntarily denied boarding on a domestic flight from Atlanta to Denver due to overbooking. The airline initially offered him a flight voucher and downplayed his rights. MySkyHelp intervened, insisting on the DOT-mandated cash compensation and successfully secured Mark the full $775 for his inconvenience. Mark simply submitted his flight details to us and we took care of the rest.

Expert Insight from MySkyHelp: "For US passengers, understanding the nuances of 'involuntary' denied boarding is key to securing significant compensation. For other disruptions, proving damages or holding airlines to their own policies requires expert knowledge. With MySkyHelp, you gain a powerful ally who ensures airlines comply with their legal obligations and fights for your maximum entitlement, so you don't have to navigate the complexities alone."