Reminding Stranded Air Passengers about Rule 240

Catherine Forsythe

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Editor’s Pick

DECEMBER 21, 2009 1:00PM

Rate: 6 Flag

With the travel rush, there will be delays and travel snafus. For airline passengers, there are things like weather, overbooking, mechanical interruptions and a myriad of events that may cause delays. That is when Rule 240 may be useful still.

Rule 240 states "that in the event of any flight delay or cancellation caused by anything other than weather, the airline would fly me on the next available flight — not their next available flight, which might not leave for another 24 hours".

link: Stranded at the airport? Don’t forget Rule 240

additional link: Setting the Record Straight on Rule 240

The rule is followed by some airlines and not followed by others. Airline deregulation had an impact on the relationship between airlines and passengers. Nevertheless, some airline will honour the intent of the regulation and help to untangle the travel mess.

It never hurts to ask and it may open some interesting discussions with airline personnel at the bridge when you cite Rule 240. Good luck and have a safe journey.

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deregulation, rule 240, passengers, airlines, travel

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Last time I needed this rule, I couldn't remember the number. I kept saying rule 420. Somebody behind me helped me out with the numbers and they reluctantly helped me get back home.

Jeff Murray

December 21, 2009 07:59 PM

Continental Airlines refused to honor this rule last year when I was stranded on my way to New Orleans. They also refused to pay for a hotel for my seriously delayed flights (I missed an important connection). I ended up having to purchase a ticket on another airline, and pay for a hotel room myself. They would have had me stay in the airport for two days waiting for another one of their own flights to become available. I was told as much by three different staff members.

I haven't flown them since, and plan to avoid them at all costs.

Gourmet Goddess

December 21, 2009 10:53 PM

The practice of one airline selling a flight but having another airline actually operate the flight confuses things when attempting to invoke this and other regulations regarding stranded passengers.

Also, be aware that if you flew one airline into an airport and the flight arrived late, it is unlikely that the second airline you were going to leave on is going to assist you, as they will likely say that it is your fault, not theirs. This comes up a lot when you self-book to get the best prices.

After U.S. Air and United planned to strand me at the airport for over 48 hours, I gave up, rented a car and drove 16 hours to another airport to retrieve my luggage...which somehow made the flight I missed.

There's another rule that says that the airline has to pay you cash (well, a check anyway), right there if they can't get you onto another flight within a certain amount of time. If the flight they get you on will arrive less than 2 hours after you were originaly supposed to arrive, it's $200 (per ticket); if it's more than 2 hours, you get $300. I believe you can find the rules on the FAA site (DOT site may have a link, I don't remember; this was in 2006).

Julie Morse

December 22, 2009 08:19 AM

Um... should one ask about Rule 240 before buying tickets? Because I can see getting laughed at by, say, a rude clerk @ O'Hare as they left for their nice warm home with a thousand people sleeping on the floor in the terminal...