FlyerTalk Forums - DOT eyes increase in IDB compensation.

U.S. airlines may be forced to more than triple payments to passengers involuntarily bumped from flights, to $624, in the first increase since 1978, the Transportation Department said.

Passengers bumped from flights get a maximum of $200 when the airline arranges alternate transportation that gets them to their destination within two hours of their scheduled arrival. Carriers that don't meet that deadline pay a $400 maximum.

Under the proposal, the $400 penalty also may double to $800. Other options are to keep it the same; increase it to $580 or $1,248; or make it equal to the value of the ticket. The agency said it will post a proposed rule on its Web site tomorrow.

http://www.sltrib.com/business/ci_6333104