What Do I Do If I Was Bumped Off of My Hawaiian Airlines Flight?

Even if you travel a lot, you will probably never get involuntarily bumped from your flight, but it does sometimes happen. When it happens, it can be a major problem in many ways, including financially. If you have been bumped from a Hawaiian Airlines flight, then read on to learn what to do next, and about the compensation you may be entitled to.

If You Were Bumped

If you were bumped from a Hawaiian Airlines flight, talk to the airline staff. They will almost certainly be able to find a way to get you to your destination on a different flight, even if they have to use a different carrier to do it. Most of the time, there won't even be any delay in your arrival. However, if there is, you may be owed compensation.

US DOT Rules

US Department of Transportation has ruled that travelers who have been bumped from their flights and as a result are more than 4 hours late are owed 400% of their one way fare, to a maximum of $1,350. Passengers who are from 1 to 4 hours late reaching their destinations because of getting bumped are owed 200% of their one way fares, to a maximum of $675. Passengers whose arrivals are delayed less than an hour are not owed compensation by this rule.

If you are traveling with a frequent flyer ticket or some other ticket that does not show a fare, your compensation will be based on the lowest payment that is charged for a similar ticket bought through normal means.

This amount is awarded as compensation for the inconvenience of being bumped. The ticket itself can still be used to travel if the airline can find an alternate route for you, which is almost always the case. If your trip is not possible any longer because you were bumped, you can request what is known as an "involuntary refund" from the airline.

This compensation does not apply to flights on aircraft holding less than 30 passengers, inbound international flights, or charter flights. The airline is also not required to offer compensation if getting bumped was the result of a safety issue. Also, you are not eligible if you did not confirm your reservation or missed your check in deadline.

How to Make the Refund Request from Hawaiian Airlines

1. Go to Hawaiian Airlines' home page.
2. Click on the Sign In button in the upper right corner.
3. Sign in.
4. Click on the Contact Us link in the upper right corner.
5. Click on the Send Us an Email link near the bottom of the page.
6. Click on the Make a Request button.
7. Select Refund from the Topic menu.
8. Select Change / Cancellation Fees from the Subtopic menu.
9. Fill in the contact information fields.
10. Fill in the traveler information fields. You will need your ticket number, flight number, and confirmation code.
11. Attach any files that are relevant.
12. Click on the Submit button at the bottom.

If you have any questions or problems, contact Hawaiian Airlines' customer service. They have a phone number and an online help desk.