Q – Can you give me some advice about what to do if I get bumped from another flight. It just happened to us in Cincinnati. While they got us on a flight two hours later and everything worked out, the gate agent was not that helpful and I still think I should have gotten something for our trouble. I tried contacting United three days later and got nowhere.
A – This is why we always advise that you use a professional flight monitoring service. If you are bumped again, speak to a service supervisor at the airport, someone with authority to grant you compensation. Also try to get a supervisor on the line at the airline. The two hour delay rule allows for some nice compensation. If, for instance, you are delayed by four or more hours on an international; flight you are entitled to quadruple the one-way fare in the form of a refund or a future flight certificate. The rules change often so it is best to immediately get on the phone with your airline to establish your claim and get their best offer. Remember, however, they are not required to give you anything if the delay was due to reasons beyond their control. Chatting with the gate agent about this is the last thing you should do.
