Air Travel and Airline Passenger Rights FAQ

Questions:

• Where can I find information about the duties that the airline owes to me as a passenger?
• In what ways is an airline allowed to restrict my airline ticket?
• How do airlines calculate fares?
• Do airlines offer discounted tickets or let you change a ticket if you need to travel because of death or serious illness?
• What should I do if I lose my airline ticket?
• Does the airline have to compensate me if it bumps me off a flight because of overbooking?
• What about tarmac delays? Do airlines have to let passengers off of stranded planes?
• Am I entitled to compensation if my flight is delayed, diverted, or canceled?
• Am I entitled to compensation from the airline if my baggage is lost or damaged?
• I have a ticket on an airline that seems headed for bankruptcy. What can I do?
• Are there any legal protections for the credits I earn in a frequent flyer program?
• Does it pay to belong to more than one frequent flyer program?
• Can I give away or sell my frequent flyer awards?

Answer:

Where can I find information about the duties that the airline owes to me as a passenger?

The contract between you and the airline dictates what duties the airline owes to you. The terms of this contract are printed on the back of your ticket under the heading "Conditions of Contract." In addition, most airline tickets also state that the contract incorporates the "Conditions of Carriage and Related Regulations" that the airline has filed with the U.S. Department of Transportation. You can get a copy of the "Conditions of Carriage" by requesting it from the airline or your travel agent. Also, most airlines post the "Conditions of Carriage" on their websites.