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Airline Bumping Penalties Raised

Getting bumped could put some extra cash in your pocket

By Mark Huffman
ConsumerAffairs.com

April 17, 2008

Under the change to the so-called “bumping rule,” fliers who are involuntarily bumped would receive up to $400 if they are rescheduled to reach their destination within two hours of their original arrival time or four hours for international flights, and up to $800 if they are not rerouted within that timeframe.

The new rule also covers more flights, including those operated with aircraft seating 30 people or more; the current rule covers flights with 60 seats or more.

The amount of the payments will be determined by the price of the ticket and the length of the delay. The payments are in addition to the value of the passenger’s ticket, which the flyer can use for alternate transportation or have refunded if not used.

“It’s hard to compensate for a missed family occasion or business opportunity, but this rule will ensure flyers are more fairly reimbursed for their inconvenience,” said Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters.

The Secretary also announced new air traffic measures designed to help cut delays this summer. The first involves new and greater flexibility for aircraft to use alternative routes in the sky to avoid severe weather.

This includes a new routing alternative that provides an “escape route” into Canadian airspace from the New York metropolitan area so airlines can fly around summer thunderstorms and high winds.

In addition, the FAA will open a second westbound route for aircraft, akin to adding another interstate highway lane in the sky. This would in effect provide a parallel route along a heavily-traveled aviation corridor, helping cut westbound delays from the New York area.

Delays at New York's three high-volume airports cause problems for travelers throughout the nation.

“By making better use of our skies, we are working to limit the impact weather has on travelers on the ground,” Peters said.

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