Delta Air Lines: Compensation for Delayed/Canceled Flights, Bumps, and More

After a lengthy flight delay, cancelation, or bump, nothing is more frustrating than being offered a forced apology. However, in many instances, travelers can receive compensation by escalating their complaints throughout airline customer service queues.

Sure, there are times when Mother Nature takes over, which absolves airlines from responsibility. But when delays, cancelations, or denied boardings are the result of poor airline execution, they deserve to be held accountable.

If Delta has denied you boarding, or significantly delayed or canceled your flight on a United States domestic trip, you have Department of Transportation protected rights, which may include:

• Refunds
• Complimentary rebooking
• Hotel accommodations
• Food vouchers/credits

Check your eligibility for compensation now.

File For Compensation

Delta Air Lines compensation entitlements

Technically, there are no laws in the United States that mandate airlines compensate travelers for flight delays or cancelations. In many instances, you have the right to a refund, but nothing else is guaranteed.

Just because you aren’t entitled to additional compensation following a lengthy flight delay or cancelation does not mean that won’t receive any. We specialize in acting on your behalf after egregious delays or cancelations, particularly when combined with poor customer service or other airline failures.

1. Flight delays

If Delta delays your flight significantly, you are eligible for a refund for the unused portion of your fare if you decide not to travel or find alternate transportation. In the United States, there is no definition of what constitutes a significant delay, and cases will be handled individually.

If Delta unfairly denied you a refund, we’re happy to help out.

File for Compensation

2. Flight cancelations

Similarly, in the case of Delta cancelations, travelers are eligible for refunds if they opt out of a rebooked itinerary and decide not to fly.

There is less ambiguity here, though, since cancelations are not managed on a case-by-case basis.

3. Tarmac delays

Tarmac delays are a little different, as the United States does more to protect travelers during lengthly delays onboard an aircraft. We've written an entire guide on navigating tarmac delays, but will summarize your rights here.

In the United States, all airlines, Delta included, must not have tarmac delays exceed three hours (four hours for international departures). After 3 hours, passengers must be allowed these non compensation based rights:

• The opportunity to deplane
• Access to bathroom facilities
• Information and status updates at least every 30 min
• Food and water, which must be provided by the airline within two hours

And while there is no guarantee of airline compensation, if any of these rights were not met, you have leverage and a better opportunity.

Denied boarding/bumps

Requesting compensation from Delta Air Lines

Just because you're not entitled to compensation does not mean that you won't receive one if you file a complaint. The key is to show how Delta's delays/cancelations impacted you, your travels, and/or your