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Good News For Passengers Bumped From Flights

Travelers Can Receive Up to $800 Of Orginial Fare

POSTED: 10:37 am EDT April 16, 2008
UPDATED: 1:51 pm EDT April 16, 2008

Passengers who get bumped off overbooked flights will soon be eligible to receive twice as much compensation from U.S. airlines.

The Transportation Department finalized changes to its so-called bumping rule, which doubles the limit on compensation airlines must pay passengers who are involuntarily bumped from their flight. Under the new rule, travelers forced onto another flight that takes them to their destination more than two hours after their original arrival time will be eligible to receive the full price of their fare, up to $800.

“We are taking steps to improve the travel experience, cut delays and lower fares in one of America’s busiest aviation markets,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters said.

The new rule also covers more flights, including those operated with aircraft seating 30 people or more; the current rule covers flights with 60 seats or more. The amount of these payments are determined by the price of the ticket and the length of the delay, and are in addition to the value of the passenger’s ticket, which the flyer can use for alternate transportation or have refunded if not used.

“It’s hard to compensate for a missed family occasion or business opportunity, but this rule will ensure flyers are more fairly reimbursed for their inconvenience,” Peters said.

The airline changes go into effect next month.

The previous $200 and $400 limits had not been raised since 1978.

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