How to Use the Flight Bump Compensation Calculator
When airlines oversell a flight and there aren't enough seats for everyone who checks in, some passengers get "bumped." If you're involuntarily denied boarding, US Department of Transportation rule 14 CFR 250 entitles you to cash compensation based on how late you ultimately arrive at your destination. This calculator estimates that amount from your one-way fare, flight type, and the delay caused by the substitute flight.
Under the rule, delays under 1 hour require no compensation. Beyond that, domestic flights use a 2-hour threshold and international flights use a 4-hour threshold: below the threshold you're entitled to 200% of your one-way fare (capped at $775), and beyond it you're entitled to 400% (capped at $1,550). These caps are the 2024 DOT-adjusted figures and are periodically updated for inflation.
Airlines almost always try to find volunteers before bumping anyone involuntarily, and volunteer compensation (cash, miles, vouchers) is negotiated directly with the airline rather than set by this formula. Keep your Written Statement of denied boarding, since it documents your right to the compensation this calculator estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Under DOT rule 14 CFR 250, compensation depends on how late substitute transportation gets you to your destination. Domestic and international flights use different delay thresholds for the 200% and 400% fare tiers, each capped at $775 and $1,550.
No. Voluntary bumping is negotiated directly with the airline (cash, miles, vouchers), so the amount can differ from the involuntary denied boarding compensation this calculator estimates.