Amid ongoing debate about airline overbooking practices and passenger rights, the US transportation department has launched a new page on its website for fliers.
It details information about consumer rights relating to tarmac delays, cancelations, fare increases and baggage compensation claims.
It also lists minimum requirements that airlines must provide for travelers with disabilities.
There is also clear information relating to airlines’ overbooking best practices and the compensation required for passengers who are involuntarily denied boardng.
"DOT requires each airline to give all passengers who are bumped involuntarily a written statement describing their rights and explaining how the carrier decides who gets bumped."
When insufficient volunteers are found, an airline may select bumped passengers based on its own criteria which can include the passenger’s check-in time, the fare paid, or the passenger’s frequent flyer status.
The page also links to a web form for customers to file any complaints direct with the DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division.
