Updated Nov 13, 2026
Flight delayed: what you're owed in the US
What are the 3-hour and 6-hour thresholds?
Under 49 U.S.C. 42305, a delay becomes "significant" when:
- Domestic flights: arriving 3+ hours late
- International flights: arriving 6+ hours late
Note: it's measured against your arrival time, not departure. A flight that departs 2 hours late but makes up time in the air might not hit the threshold.
What happens at each delay level?
| Delay (arrival) | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Under 3 hours | No refund right | No refund right |
| 3–6 hours | Refund if you don't fly | No refund right |
| 6+ hours | Refund if you don't fly | Refund if you don't fly |
Key point: If you take the delayed flight, you're not owed a refund under DOT rules. The refund right only applies when you choose not to fly.
What about meals, hotels, and rebooking?
Airlines often provide meals, hotels, and rebooking on partner airlines for significant delays—but this is not required by federal law. It's a voluntary commitment each airline makes, and it usually only applies when the airline caused the delay (not weather, not air traffic control).
Check the DOT's Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboard to see what your airline promises. No listed US airline commits to cash compensation.
Weather and ATC delays
If weather or air traffic control caused the delay, you still have refund rights at the 3/6-hour thresholds—but meals and hotels are less likely. Airlines typically only cover those for delays they caused.
Either way, screenshot the delay when it happens and save your boarding pass. If you're stuck overnight, ask for a meal voucher and hotel—the worst they can say is no.
Why is there no US cash compensation for delays?
Unlike Europe's EU261 regulation, the US has no federal law requiring airlines to pay cash compensation for delays or cancellations. DOT considered introducing one, but formally withdrew the proposed cash-compensation rule in November 2025.
The exception is bumping: if you're involuntarily denied boarding on an oversold flight, you may be owed cash compensation. But that's different from a delay.
Tips for dealing with a delay
- Screenshot the delay while it's displayed on the board or app—this is your evidence.
- Ask for meal vouchers if the delay is long and the airline caused it.
- Keep all receipts for food, transport, and accommodation.
- Know your threshold: if you hit 3 hours (domestic) or 6 hours (international), you can request a refund instead of flying.
- Check alternatives: another flight or a rental car might get you there faster.
See if your delay qualifies
Enter your flight number to check the current delay and whether you've hit the refund threshold.
Frequently asked questions
My flight is delayed. Am I owed compensation?
In the US, there's no federal cash compensation for delays. If the delay is significant (arriving 3+ hours late domestic, 6+ international) and you choose not to fly, you're owed a refund—not compensation.
What counts as a significant delay?
Arriving 3+ hours late on a domestic flight, or 6+ hours late on an international one. It's measured against your scheduled arrival time, not departure.
Do I get meals or a hotel if my flight is delayed?
Only if the airline caused the delay (not weather or ATC), and only according to that airline's own policies—it's not required by law. Check the DOT dashboard to see what your airline commits to.
How is a delay different from a cancellation?
A cancellation means the flight isn't happening. A delay means it's still scheduled but running late. Both can trigger refund rights if the delay or change is significant enough.
Why don't US airlines pay cash compensation for delays?
It's not required by US law. DOT considered a cash-compensation rule but formally withdrew it in November 2025. In Europe, EU261 requires compensation—but that doesn't apply to most US domestic flights.
Related guides
- Flight cancelled? When you get a cash refund
- Flight cancelled: what to do in the next 30 minutes
- The DOT automatic refund rule, explained
Last checked against DOT rules: 2026-11-13