What Do I Do If I Was Bumped Off of My United Airlines Flight?
In a nutshell: If you were bumped from your United Airlines flight for any reason, you may be able to receive some sort of compensation for it, even if you get rebooked onto the next available flight. Getting it shouldn't be too difficult, but you do need to move on it as quickly as possible.
Introduction
If you were bumped from your United Airlines flight for any reason, you may be able to receive some sort of compensation for it, even if you get rebooked onto the next available flight. Getting it shouldn't be too difficult, but you do need to move on it as quickly as possible.
What You'll Need
If you are involuntarily bumped from your United Airlines flight, U.S. law gives you the following rights:United Airlines must book you on the next available flight to your destination at no additional cost.If you choose not to take the rebooked flight, the airline owes you a full refund.If you take the rebooked flight and the new flight delays your arrival by one to two hours, United Airlines owes you compensation of 200% of your one-way fare, although this is capped at a variable limit that depends on circumstances, but might be as low as $775.If the new flight delays your arrival by two to four hours, United Airlines owes you compensation of 400% of your one way fare, up to a variable cap that might be as low as $1,350.
United Airlines does not owe you compensation if you were bumped because the flight switched to a smaller plane for safety or operational reasons, if there are 60 or fewer seats and weight or balance restrictions require it, if the plane holds fewer than 30 passengers, or if the flight was a charter flight.Before the airline involuntarily bumps anyone from a flight, a representative will ask for people to be voluntarily bumped. You may be able to negotiate a better compensation package if you volunteer for bumping. However, you should keep in mind that, if you do, you waive your rights to the compensation mandated by law that is described above.
If you are bumped from your flight, the first thing to do is stay at the gate.
It will be a lot easier to work things out with the gate agent than it will be to work them out with a customer service agent later over the phone.
Ask the gate agent for the reason why you were bumped from your flight, in writing.
They are legally obligate to provide you with a written reason.
Ask the gate agent for the compensation you are legally entitled to.
As a general rule, they should give it to you right there at the gate.
If United Airlines refuses to give you the legally mandated compensation, file a grievance at the U.S. Department of Transportation Aviation Consumer Portal.
U.S. Department of Transportation Aviation Consumer Portal
Conclusion
If you need help from United Airlines, or have questions about your compensation, call a United Airlines customer service representative. You can reach one 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Further questions?
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