8 Air Travel Rights You Didn’t Know You Have

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With disputes between airlines and the passengers that fly with them increasing, it’s always good to understand your rights as a traveler. Airlines are not inclined to share policies that favor the customers they serve, but there are myriad rules and regulations from the U.S. Department of Transportation they must follow. Below are eight rights that passengers have—but might not know about—when things go wrong. 

Voluntary Bumping

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U.S. airlines fly nearly 24,000 flights a day. The odds of passengers being on an oversold flight are pretty slim. But when it happens, the airlines prefer to first seek volunteers to take a later flight for vouchers that can be used on future travel. Not only do you get compensation, but you get priority seating on the next available flight. Depending on the airline (and how desperate they are for the seat), you can ask for perks like first/business class seats, access to a premium lounge, and food vouchers.