United Airlines grounded planes - What Are My Passenger Rights

United Airlines grounded planes nationwide - What to do and What are my Passenger Rights

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Last Updated: 8 September 2023

There were breaking news reports that United Airlines had grounded hundreds of planes and tens of thousands of passengers are affected. Here is Consumer passenger rights update related to United Airlines massive flight disruption:

for those passengers affected by United flight cancellation, all passengers have the right to demand a refund in full as mandated by US Department of Transportation. Note this right exists regardless of the reason for cancellation.

for those international passengers whose flights were delayed or canceled on a return flight from EU or UK, right to compensation approx up to $650 may exist under EU Passenger Right regulations. Eligibility depends on actual delay at the final destination. Please note since these delays and cancellations were caused by United Airlines IT system failure or update, this is a controllable event by United.

That means that compensation claims should be valid provided delay upon final destination is 3 hours or more. You can read more detailed information about United Airline compensation here and use the flight delay compensation calculator which also helps to check eligibility.

Had a Delayed or Canceled Flight to or from the EU?Check Your Flight

For those passengers whose US domestic flights were affected, unlike EU & UK there is no set cash compensation in the US law, however United as well as other major US airlines agreed to commit to reimburse/cover incidentals (source):

Meal or meal cash/voucher when cancellation or delay results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more for new flight

Complimentary hotel accommodations for any passenger affected by an overnight delay

Complimentary ground transportation to and from hotel for any passenger affected by an overnight delay

If you had any out of pocket expenses, we recommend you request United to provide you with a voucher for the same value of expenses, so keep the receipts.

If you need assistance with your claim against United Airlines, AirAdvisor may help you claim compensation under EU/UK law. Use our free compensation eligibility checker to see if you can claim compensation.

Author:

Anton Radchenko, Esq.

Job/Position: Founder & CEO

Anton Radchenko, Esq. is a consumer rights advocate and licensed attorney in the state of New York (admitted in 2012 to the Second Division of the New York Supreme Court and in good standing) and has over 12 years of professional experience in international law and aviation law.