American Airlines flight delay compensation
When your American Airlines flight is delayed, you may be eligible for compensation, depending on the circumstances of the delay. Here, we detail your air passenger rights in the event of a delay and determine if you qualify for compensation the circumstances in which you could be entitled to compensation. Our main focus will be on American passengers, while also examining EU Regulation 261/2004, which provides robust protection for EU flights, even those operated by American Airlines.
Flight delay compensation American Airlines in the US
If your American Airlines flight within the United States is delayed, it’s important to know the regulations that protect your passenger rights.
While no federal law mandates compensation for American Airlines flight delays, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has established guidelines that airlines ought to comply with to treat passengers fairly.
American Airlines is commited to:
- Rebook passenger on same airline at no additional cost for significant delays
- Rebook on partner airline or another airline with which it has an agreement at no additional cost for significant delays
- Meal or meal cash/voucher when flight delay results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more
- Complimentary hotel accommodations for any passenger affected by an overnight delay
- Complimentary ground transportation to and from hotel for any passenger affected by an overnight delay
American Airlines does not commit to
- Cash compensation when a delay results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more from the scheduled departure time
- Credit/travel voucher when delay results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more from the scheduled departure time
- Frequent flyer miles when delay results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more from the scheduled departure time
The US Department of Transportation has a chart called “Commitments for Controllable Cancellations” that shows what American Airlines is required to do for travelers when their flights are delayed. Typically, airlines guarantee complimentary rebooking on the same day if a delay occurs. Whether travelers will receive compensation for a delay depends on several factors, including whether it is controllable.
The DOT defines controllable delays as those caused by problems like maintenance issues, crew scheduling conflicts, difficulties with fuel or baggage loading, and delays in cabin cleaning. In these situations, it’s the airline’s responsibility.
EU flight delay compensation for American Airlines
American Airlines operates daily flights to and from various European airports. This means that air passenger rights are protected by the European Union when departing Europe.
A law referred to as EU261 shields passenger rights for European Union flights, including flights to or from EU countries and intra-Union trips, even if you have an American passport.
There is one exception, passengers on American carriers flying from the US to Europe are not covered by EU261. In this case the previous mentioned commitments are applicable.
If your US carrier flight from Europe to the United States is delayed, EU261 does apply.
When traveling to or from Europe with a European airline, all passengers, including those from the United States, are protected by EU261.
Here are the main rights you have under EU261 in the event of a flight delay:
- If your flight is delayed for over three hours and the delay is within the airline’s control, you may be qualified for compensation ranging from $264 to $635, depending on the length of the flight.
- In addition, you have the right to be provided with care. American Airlines must give you essential care during delays, which includes food, drinks, and lodging if needed, based on the length the delay is and the distance the flight is.
- If your flight is substantially delayed or even canceled, you can choose between rescheduling on another flight or getting a complete refund for your ticket.
If the flight is delayed due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, like severe weather or air traffic control strikes, the airline is not obliged to provide compensation. However, the airline is always responsible for providing care and assistance during the delay.
Does your situations permeats a compensation? You best contact American Airlines directly, or submit your claim via a company such as EUclaim.
Proposals for passenger rights in the United States
The U.S. Department of Transportation and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg have proposed new rules to improve passenger protections in the United States.
The rules are similar to those in the European Union and will give American Airlines passengers greater rights when dealing with flight delays.
Stay tuned for more updates on these upcoming changes that will provide American passengers with enhanced rights and a smoother travel experience.
My domestic flight with American Airlines is delayed, what are my rights?
According to the US Department of Transportation, airlines are required to adhere to the promises that they make in their customer service plan, including commitments to care for customers in the event of controllable delays or cancellations. The Department will hold airlines accountable if they fail to do so.
If your American Airlines flight is experiencing a long delay, ask airline staff if they will pay for meals or a hotel room or compensate you for your time.
My Intra-European flight is delayed, what now?
Even if you have a US nationality, if you are in Europe, your rights are protected by the EU. Was your American Airlines flight delayed with at least 3 hours? You are entitled to financial compensation. Airlines are obliged to provide you with care during the delay, including meals, refreshments, and accommodation if necessary.
My flight to Europe with American Airlines is delayed, am I entitled to compensation?
If you are flying with American Airlines to Europe, your passenger rights are not protected by EU261 and compensation is not applicable.
My American Airlines flight from Europe to the US is delayed, what are my rights?
Flying with American Airlines? Even if you have a US nationality, your rights are protected by EU law EU261. It also doesn’t matter which airline you are flying with, either from Europe or a different part of the world, you might be eligible for compensation up to ~$650 (€600). The exception is force majeur by American Airlines.
How do I apply for compensation for a flight delay with American Airlines?
If your flight to, from or in Europe is delayed for more than three hours, you could be eligible for compensation. To claim compensation, contact the airline. American Airlines doesn’t have a dedicated webpage, so if you need help with your claim, we recommend the services of EUclaim.