DOT doubles compensation available for bumped fliers

Starting in May 2008, new DOT rules affecting air travel take effect. A summary of the changes includes:

• Travelers forced onto another flight that takes them to their domestic destination more than two hours after their original arrival time will be paid the full price of their fare up to $800.
• If bumped passengers arrive less than two hours after their original arrival time, the new compensation limit for domestic flights is $400, according to the new rule.
  
• The arrival time limit is four hours for international flights.

The new bumped fliers rule also applies to more planes, covering most aircraft that carry more than 30 passengers instead of 60.

The agency also announced several initiatives Wednesday intended to decrease air travel delays, including a plan to reroute planes through Canadian air space to avoid summer storms.

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Safe travels!

-Tom