Airline Passenger Bill of Rights

Airlines seek to provide customers with a positive experience. However, operational issues, such as bad weather or maintenance issues, can result in delayed or canceled flights. Business practices, such as overbooking, can result in involuntary denied boardings. Strong competition can contribute to airlines’ overscheduling flights during peak periods, leading to chronically delayed flights. These and other factors have a negative impact on customers’ experiences.

The worst experiences, such as passengers waiting on the tarmac for over 10 hours with limited food and beverage service, often make national or international headlines. Several countries—including the United States, Philippines, and Canada—have passed regulations to protect airline customers. These regulations establish minimum acceptable levels of service and impose fines if carriers do not meet these levels. This entry provides an ...