As airline fares rise, so do refunds for getting bumped

Ninette Sosa, CNN

Tools

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Apr 17, 2008 at 1:04 PM EST

Story Updated: Apr 17, 2008 at 1:04 PM EST

(CNN) — Flying the friendly skies is more expensive than ever. But the refund for getting bumped off your flight is higher, too.

If you get bumped from your flight, you could pocket some big bucks.

Under new rules being mandated by the Department of Transportation, domestic passengers who involuntarily have to give up their seat would get up to $400 from their airline if they are rescheduled to reach their destination within two hours of their original time. If the delay is longer, the payment could climb as high as $800.

Ticket prices will determine how much a bumped passenger gets. The changes also benefit international fliers. The Transportation Department says the new rules go into effect next month.

If you fly on United ticket prices just went up. The carrier says it has raised its domestic fuel surcharge from $10 to $20 on round trip tickets. United says it made the move to offset rising fuel costs.

And another airline is adding new fees. U.S. Airways will charge extra for an aisle or window seat. Passengers will have to pay $5 per flight for those seats in the first several rows. The new fee starts in May.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

Comments are moderated and will not appear on this story until after they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting.

WSBT and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.
Countdown to Digital TV:

WSBT Weather

icon
Current Temp 32
°
More Weather

On Demand

More On Demand

Stock Quotes

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Tonight On WSBTFull Schedule

7.00
Jeopardy!
7.30
Wheel of Fortune
8.00
Survivor: Gabon
9.00
CSI
10.00
Eleventh Hour
11.00
WSBT News
11.35
Late Show with David Letterman
12.35
Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson

Question of The Day

Do you agree with Notre Dame’s decision to keep Charlie Weis?

E-mail your comments. We'll pick some to read during WSBT News at 5.

  • Yes
  • No