Where can I complain about bad airline service?
Where can I complain about bad airline service?
Why airlines can get away with bad customer service?
Why is customer service not emphasized in the airline industry? It's a commodity business, at least in economy, and 50% of your passengers you may never see again. At the low end, they compete on price, not service. It's not much different than any other mass market consumer product these days.
How do I take legal action against an airline?
Besides suing in small claims court you can also file a complaint against an airline with the DOT. The DOT's Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (ACPD) reviews and responds to consumer complaints against airlines.
How do I complain about an airline service?
You may contact DOT by phone at 202-366-2220 for information related to a consumer related problem. However, for a case to be processed as a complaint, it must be submitted to DOT in writing.
Who has most airline complaints?
In 2022 , Frontier Airlines reported 20.26 customer complaints for each 100,000 enplanements on domestic-scheduled operations. This was the highest rate of customer complaints among U.S. carriers.
What does an airline have to compensate you?
If you are involuntarily bumped, the DOT requires each airline to compensate involuntarily bumped passengers via check or cash. The amount you receive from the airline depends on the price of the ticket you purchased and the length of the delay.
Can I sue an airline for mistreatment?
Individuals can sue airlines in small claims court for damages caused by an airline's negligence. For example, damages can arise from personal injuries (for example a broken arm) or from emotional distress caused by an airline's negligent treatment.
Do airlines have to pay compensation?
According to the DOT, airlines are not required to provide money or other compensation when flights get delayed, regardless of how late they are. However, when a “significant delay” takes place, passengers may receive refunds for seat selection fees or checked baggage fees.
Is it worth complaining to an airline?
Air travel isn't always fun. Things go wrong. And while you're unlikely to get compensated because a summer thunderstorm made your plane late, it's often worth complaining to the airlines and seeing what you can get for your travel inconveniences.
What is the most effective way to complain about an airline?
It's often best to email or write to the airline's consumer office at its corporate headquarters. DOT requires airlines that fly to, from, or within the United States to state on their websites how and where complaints can be submitted.
What are you entitled to when an airline cancels your flight?
If airlines cancel a flight for any reason, passengers are legally entitled to a full refund, including for ticket price, taxes, baggage fees, extra charges and ancillary fees.
How do I report an airline for not refunding?
If you contact the airline or ticket agent to obtain a required refund and you are refused that refund, you should file a complaint against the airline or ticket agent with the Department at https://secure.dot.gov/air-travel-complaint.
How long can a flight be delayed before compensation?
When a flight delay occurs, you are entitled to assistance and a choice between rerouting, reimbursement, or rebooking. If you arrive at your destination more than 3 hours after your scheduled arrival time, you are entitled to the same reimbursement, rerouting, and rebooking structure as a denied boarding.
Can I sue airline for emotional distress?
Mishaps on airlines can result in severe emotional distress for passengers, even when they don't suffer physical injuries. When passengers fear for their lives due to some type of airline mishap, they can sue an airline for emotional distress to receive compensation.