With the current rules on involuntary bumping, the compensation is based on the price for that one-way portion of the trip.
If passengers arrive at the final destination within one hour of the originally scheduled time, there is no compensation.
On domestic flights, the compensation is double the one-way ticket price if you get to your destination between one and two hours of your original arrival time, up to a maximum of $650, and quadruple your one-way ticket price, up to $1,300, if the airline can’t get you there within two hours of the original arrival time.
On international flights, you will receive double the one-way ticket amount if you arrive within one to four hours and quadruple if the arrival is more than four hours from your original arrival time.
Above all, involuntarily bumped passengers are entitled to cash or check compensation if that’s what they’d rather have. The airline can offer you a voucher for future travel, but it must disclose all restrictions, and you can still insist on cash or check.
One thing to note is that the rules apply to outbound international flights, but not inbound. For rules on flights within Europe, visit ec.europa.eu/transport/passengers/air/air(underscore)en.htm.
When you get bumped, the airline is essentially buying back your seat assignment, so it’s really important that you have one. If you have a seat assignment, you can also volunteer to be bumped if you like what the airline is offering.
