Doc's first post on this thread has a hotlink to "The lowdown on Rule 240". In that article there is a hotlink to Delta's contract.

yes exitrow... I did go to the URL given... but am inclined to now think that this rule is only usuable in the USA.... can't find anything about it in Canada or in particular Air Canada... Anybody else have insight on this rule for Canada?

ITYT | Library : Air Travel Glossary : Rule 240

It is actually 2x of that specific leg of your trip, not the whole ticket, and UP TO a maximum of $400.

Nobody's going to win the lottery by getting bumped... even at full Y fare.

here the link for CO: http://www.continental.com/dash/buil...asp?service_07

Compensation for Passengers Denied Boarding Involuntarily
1) Subject to the following exceptions, CO shall pay compensation to confirmed passengers denied boarding involuntarily from an Oversold flight at the rate of 200% of the sum of the value of the passenger�s remaining flight coupons up to the passenger�s next Stopover, or if none, to the passenger�s final destination with a maximum of $400. However, the compensation shall be half the amount described above, with a $200 maximum, if CO arranges for comparable air transportation, or other transportation used by the passenger that, at the time either such arrangement is made, is planned to arrive at the airport of the passenger�s next Stopover or if none, at the airport of the passenger�s destination, not later than 2 hours after the time the direct or connecting flight on which confirmed space is held is planned to arrive in the case of interstate and overseas air transportation, or 4 hours after such time in the case of foreign air transportation.

[This message has been edited by EWR-COflyer (edited 02-09-2002).]

You can also try the OneTravel.com website's Rules of the Air section:

The pull down menus provide choices of 20 domestic airlines and 18 categories of rules and regulations.

Also, I once e-mailed their Ask the Expert service about Rule 240 as it applies to international flights on domestic U.S. carriers (I believe fellow FTer estnet was stranded at CDG with UA and posted a question about Rule 240 from the RCC). This is the response I received from Bob Jones at OneTravel:

Here is information from American Airlines website. One route to this page is:
1. Go to http://www.aa.com
2. Click Programs and Services near top of page.
3. Pull down Programs and Services menu to select Conditions of Carriage.
4. You arrive at a summary of the C of C. Click "For the complete document click here" link at the bottom to get to the full document. The following paragraphs are from the "complete document."

OVERSALES

If a flight is oversold (more passengers hold confirmed reservations than there are seats available), and you are denied boarding involuntarily at the airport, you will be entitled to a payment of "denied boarding compensation" from American unless
American arranges for you to be transported on another flight scheduled to arrive at your destination or next 4hour stopover no later than one hour after your originally scheduled arrival time, or
You did not fully comply with American's ticketing and check-in requirements, as set forth in the check-in requirements section, or cannot be accepted for transportation under the rules set forth the acceptance of passengers section.
You are denied boarding because the flight is cancelled, or
You are denied boarding because a smaller capacity aircraft was substituted for safety or operational reasons,
You are offered accommodations in a section of the aircraft other than specified on your ticket, at no additional charge. If you are seated in a section for which a lower fare is applicable, you will be given an appropriate refund.
On American Airlines, Inc. Flights, if you are eligible for denied boarding compensation, you will be offered a payment equal to the sum of the face value of your flight coupon(s) to your point of destination or first stopover, subject to a maximum of $200. However, if American cannot arrange "alternate transportation" (as defined below) for you, the compensation will be doubled subject to a maximum of $400.

On American Eagle flights, if you are eligible for denied boarding compensation the total value of the coupon in question will be refunded (not to exceed $100.00) and you will be transported, free of charge, on the next available American Eagle flight to your destination or next point of stopover/connection. The total value of the coupon (not to exceed $100.00) will be refunded without regard to the availability of later service or your arrival time on that service at your destination or next point of stopover/ connection.

The "value" of a flight coupon is the one-way fare for the flight segment's shown on the coupon(s) (including any surcharge and air transportation tax, minus any applicable discount) to your destination or next scheduled 4-hour stopover. "Alternate transportation" is air transportation or other transportation used by you which, at the time the arrangement is made, is scheduled to arrive at your destination or next scheduled stopover no later than 2 hours (for domestic flights) or 4 hours (for international flights) after your originally scheduled arrival time.

If you voluntarily relinquish your confirmed reservation upon request by American, you may receive a travel voucher valid for travel on American. Likewise, if you are entitled to denied boarding compensation, you may elect to receive a travel voucher valid for travel on American. These travel vouchers may be used only for the purchase of air transportation on American, and must be used within one (1) year of their issuance. At the sole discretion of American, these travel vouchers may be reissued, subject to the then applicable service charge.

Your acceptance of denied boarding compensation relieves American from any further liability caused by its failure to honor your confirmed reservation.

Additional information concerning our overbooking policies can be found on ticket jackets. Upon request, reservations representatives or airport agents will advise you if your flight is overbooked at the time your reservation is made or during the airport check-in process.


[This message has been edited by Middle_Seat (edited 02-10-2002).]

You can download America West's Contract of Carriage at http://www.americawest.com/aboutawa/...ofcarriage.htm

Print it out and carry it with you religiously.



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daniel baker -- [email protected]
Reliable, fast, and unmoderated forums at ITYT.

Regarding "Rules of the Air"

Some of their information is incorrect. For example, they say NWA has no specfic policy on "Throwaway tickets" but a search of the NWA rules on their website specifically prohibits them.