Paul Stewart wrote:
*Some* airlines pay penalties - not all.
When you have a confirmed reservation, airlines in the US and EU are required to pay "delayed boarding compensation" when you are involuntarily bumped, unless the reason is something completely outside their control (such as the weather or when planes are ordered grounded as happened after 9/11), or they are flying smaller jets (special exceptions because of weight-and-balance safety rules). This is in addition to allowing you to use your ticket on the next available flight. If you elect to make alternate travel arrangements US airlines also have to refund your ticket, even when it's a "non-refundable" ticket. http://law.justia.com/us/cfr/title14/14-4.0.1.1.28.0.8.10.html http://www.itourist.com/members/tips/view.php?id=45 http://www.discountairfares.com/deniedbo.htm