When you have been bumped from a flight, airlines know they are on the hook to provide you some type of compensation and will in most cases make a compensatory offer. Keep in mind that if you are not happy with the airline's initial offer, you can make a counter offer. If neither party ends up agreeing to the offer, the purchaser can make a formal, written complaint to the airline, being diligent to document all details and include verifiable information.
The happiest travelers adhere to the adage, "Better Safe Than Sorry," by choosing not to bring irreplaceable valuables such as jewelry, money, precious metals and even traveller's checks or credit cards during air travel.
Airline companies and insurance providers will compensate for depreciated not replacement value and may require extensive documentation in the event of loss. If baggage is lost, report it immediately to airline staff and have them create a report. Obtain a phone number of airline staff to follow up with.
Obviously stopovers or delays due to inclement weather are in the best interest of passengers to ensure their safety but airline customers should double-check their agreement before purchasing a ticket to find out if the airline will compensate for the cost of hotel rooms at stopover or delayed destinations. Many airlines maintain that they are not responsible because the delay is not their fault; passengers should be aware of this to avoid financial surprises later on.
Fortunately, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates complaints relating to safety or security issues with airlines. If you are not getting an adequate response to a complaint you have filed with an airline, contact the FAA's Consumer Hot-line at 1-866-835-5322. FAA regulations in force since April 2010 require that airline must acknowledge all passenger complaints within 30 days; airlines must allow passengers to disembark if a flight is delayed on the ground more than three hours; and airlines will be penalized for certain departure delays.
