American Airlines will pay compensation of $1,300 to passengers: Who qualifies and how to request it
Did you experience a delay due to an oversold American Airlines flight? The airline may owe you compensation. Find out if you qualify and how to request it.
The United States Department of Transportation establishes certain rules regarding how an airline must act in the event that passengers face a delay in their flight that prevents them from reaching their destination.
One of the main causes of delays is overbooked flights in which certain passengers, either voluntarily or involuntarily, are denied flights, as there are not enough places on the plane.
In this case, airlines usually offer financial compensation. In the case of American Airlines, compensation is usually a maximum of $1,550 depending on the delay. In July, the airline offered $1,300 to passengers who voluntarily changed to another flight.
American Airlines compensation for passengers: Who qualifies and how to request it
In the case of an oversold flight, American Airlines indicates that it will request passengers who are willing to voluntarily give up their seats in exchange for compensation in an amount and manner that will be determined exclusively by the airline.
If a passenger voluntarily gives up their confirmed seat on a flight, American Airlines will compensate them in a manner and amount that it deems fair.
In the event that you are denied boarding against your will, DOT regulations determine the amount of your compensation based on the delay in reaching your stopover or destination.
“If your flight is overbooked and you are not allowed to board, we will give you a check or travel credit the same day at the airport or mail it to you within 24 hours”, says American Airlines. These are the compensation amounts, depending on the delay.
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Flights within the United States
- Arrival delay of up to 1 hour: no compensation.
- Arrival delay of 1 to 2 hours: 200% of the one-way fare (up to a maximum of $775)
- Arrival delay of more than 2 hours: 400% of the one-way fare (up to a maximum of $1,550)
International flights
- Arrival delay of up to 1 hour: no compensation.
- Arrival delay of 1 to 4 hours: 200% of the one-way fare (up to a maximum of $775)
- Arrival delay of more than 4 hours: 400% of the one-way fare (up to a maximum of $1,550)
Trips originating in countries of the European Union
If you are not allowed to board an overbooked non-stop flight from the EU to the United States, you may be offered a travel voucher that can be used to purchase one ticket to any American Airlines destination.
The other option is a check for €300/$330 (for arrival delays of less than 4 hours) or €600/$660 (for arrival delays of more than 4 hours).
To claim compensation or damages, you must contact an American Airlines agent. The agent will verify your eligibility and process the claim if you are eligible.
For more information visit the American Airlines website.