How much do airlines pay if you get bumped?

On a domestic flight, 200% of your one-way fare (up to $1,075) if you arrive 1 to 2 hours late, or 400% (up to $2,150) if more than 2 hours late.

Do I have to accept a voucher if I'm bumped?

No. If you're bumped involuntarily, you can insist on cash or a check.

What's the difference between volunteering and being bumped?

Volunteers negotiate their own deal with no legal minimum. Passengers bumped against their will are owed the DOT compensation amounts.

JetFools / Your rights / Bumped from a flight

Bumped from an oversold flight? You may be owed up to $2,150

If you're involuntarily bumped from an oversold US flight and arrive more than an hour late, the airline must pay 200% of your one-way fare (up to $1,075) or 400% (up to $2,150), depending on the delay. It's paid in cash or check, not just vouchers.

Last checked October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. Rules apply to flights to, from, and within the US.

Arrive 1 to 2 hours late (domestic)	200% of one-way fare, up to $1,075
Arrive more than 2 hours late (domestic)	400% of one-way fare, up to $2,150
Arrive 1 to 4 hours late (international)	200% of one-way fare, up to $1,075
Arrive more than 4 hours late (international)	400% of one-way fare, up to $2,150
When it's paid	At the airport the same day, in cash or check

Volunteering is a negotiation

Before bumping anyone, airlines must ask for volunteers. There's no legal minimum for volunteers, so if you're flexible, ask what's on offer, whether it's cash or a voucher, when the next flight is, and whether you'll keep a confirmed seat.

If you're bumped against your will

Ask for a written statement explaining your rights and how the airline decides who gets bumped.
You can insist on a check or cash instead of a voucher.
Compensation doesn't apply if you missed the check-in deadline, if the plane was swapped for a smaller one for safety or operational reasons, or if you're rebooked to arrive within an hour of your original time.

Quick answers

How much do airlines pay if you get bumped?: On a domestic flight, 200% of your one-way fare (up to $1,075) if you arrive 1 to 2 hours late, or 400% (up to $2,150) if more than 2 hours late.
Do I have to accept a voucher if I'm bumped?: No. If you're bumped involuntarily, you can insist on cash or a check.
What's the difference between volunteering and being bumped?: Volunteers negotiate their own deal with no legal minimum. Passengers bumped against their will are owed the DOT compensation amounts.

Sources: US DOT: Bumping and oversales, 14 CFR Part 250.

More: Cancelled flight refund, Flight delays, Lost or delayed bag.

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