For US travel, there is no general federal requirement for cash compensation for an ordinary flight delay. A cancellation or significant change can trigger a refund if you decline the changed or replacement travel. Meals, hotels and rebooking may depend on airline commitments. International routes can also fall under other passenger-rights regimes.
Check my case → Under DOT rules, if the airline cancels your flight and you do not accept alternative transportation or compensation offered in place of a refund, you are entitled to the applicable refund even for a nonrefundable ticket. Accepting and taking replacement travel changes the refund question. A refund is separate from any right under an international regime.
Check my case → Ask the airline to address your onward travel, especially if the itinerary is on one ticket. US rebooking and care can depend on airline commitments and the cause of disruption; there is no universal federal cash award for a missed connection. An international itinerary may bring other rules into scope.
Check my case → DOT rules can require compensation for qualifying involuntary denied boarding on an oversold flight departing a US airport. Confirmed reservation, timely check-in, the reason and replacement arrival time matter. Volunteering for a negotiated offer and being refused involuntarily are different situations.
Check my case → US DOT says airlines are responsible for repairing or reimbursing damage that happens while checked baggage is in their control, subject to applicable limits. Report it as soon as possible and document the damage. Pre-existing damage and improper packing can affect liability. International Montreal-covered trips have a seven-day written damage-complaint deadline from receipt.
Check my case → DOT says airlines must compensate reasonable, verifiable, actual incidental expenses caused by delayed baggage, subject to applicable limits. Report the missing bag promptly and keep itemized receipts. Montreal-covered international trips also have a written delay-complaint deadline of 21 days after the bag is made available.
Check my case → When an airline determines that your bag is lost, DOT says it must compensate eligible contents subject to depreciation and applicable liability limits, and refund the bag transportation fee. Keep a detailed inventory and evidence of value. Report the missing bag promptly instead of waiting for a loss decision.
Check my case → Do not assume the operational report completes the request for money or repair. Follow up through the airline's claims channel with the dates, report reference, requested remedy and evidence. US domestic airline deadlines and Montreal international written-complaint deadlines must be distinguished.
Check my case → This answer explains general rules. Your route, travel date and facts determine which rules apply. AeroDue's checker only confirms a supported conclusion when the facts and verified legal coverage are sufficient. AeroDue does not receive or file your airline claim and does not guarantee payment.
Use AeroDue to organize possible rights and check your case without an account or an email requirement for the diagnostic. You can file directly with the airline. If an appropriate external provider is available, the checker shows that option separately from the assessment.