Michelle_Williams's Blog

Have you ever heard of Rule 240?

Rule 240 can give you a sense of empowerment in a place where you almost always feel you are at the airline's mercy. First, you should know the backstory and the exceptions that come along with it.

So what is Rule 240? It basically states that the airline has to deliver you to your destination within 2 hours of your scheduled flight time. If that can't happen then it has to put you on the departing flight at no additional costs, even if it's the next departing flight on another airline. That is of course, as long as that other airline's flight isn't booked or it isn't the last flight of the day. This also does not include flight delays or cancellations that result from inclement weather or other factors that are outside of an airline's control (like a labor strike). Rule 240 only applies to the major carriers so don't try it with Southwest or Jetblue.

Rule 240 was a U.S. federal requirement until airline deregulation in 1978. Rule 240 has remained in existence because after deregulation most airlines continued to respect the 'old rules' but is no longer a requirement.

It can be a touchy subject. Travel agent and VIP Vacations president Jennifer Doncsecz says the airlines don't even want you saying 'Rule 240,' "They don't want you to know about it. In fact if you go up and say oh my gosh, my flight, my daughter's wedding I have to go they'll say well, 'you know you're flying on Northwest and we're Continental' but if you say 'Rule 240' and their chin will drop and they'll say ok."

AAA's Brenda Hunsberger says "airlines are not federally required to provide any type of compensation for delayed flights. However, if the delay is something that is within their control, like equipment or crew they generally abide by Rule 240 which is on the passenger contact and they will give you some sort of assistance in getting to your destination. Or if you are delayed a certain amount of time they may provide you with a meal voucher or a phone voucher to call your family to let you know you're ok. They may help you find a hotel room for you to stay over night if you are required to stay over night, but it's only if it's something within their control. So if it's weather related you are out of luck."

Have you ever used Rule 240 and what happened?