No matter how much time you spend planning and researching a trip, things still occasionally go wrong -- and air travel is no exception. From and in our story on Disabled Travel.
An airline is not necessarily liable if your flight is delayed or canceled. There are some situations, such as inclement weather and "acts of God," which are deemed beyond the carriers' control. In these cases, the airline will usually refund your ticket even if it's a nonrefundable ticket, but won't be responsible for any inconvenience it may have caused you.
The following is a partial list of situations in which an airline may legally deny you boarding or remove you from a flight on which you are confirmed.
- If the airline must comply with any government regulation or request for emergency transportation in connection with national defense
- If there is inclement weather or other conditions beyond the airline's control
- If you refuse to be searched for explosives or concealed weapons
- If you refuse to provide positive identification or don't have proper documentation for travel across international boundaries
- If your conduct is disorderly, abusive or violent, or if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- If you are barefoot or clothed in a way that might be offensive to others
- If you attempt to interfere with any member of the flight crew or jeopardize the safety of the plane
Got a Complaint?If you can't resolve your problem or question at the airport and want to file a complaint, call or write the airline's consumer office at its corporate headquarters. Reaching out via social media channels such as Facebook or Twitter is another good way to get a response.
The DOT has a website set up specifically to deal with consumer complaints; you can submit an online form or find the agency's phone number and mailing address.
