But when there aren't enough volunteers, airlines can involuntarily "bump" confi

rmed passengers off the flight.

If you are bumped in this manner, Department of Transportation rules require tha
t you be compensated, and the compensation is generous. Indeed, in 2011 the agen
cy doubled the eligible compensation that involuntarily bumped passengers are en
titled to receive. If the airline is able to get you to your domestic destinatio
n within two hours of the original arrival time, you are entitled to a cash refu
nd of twice the cost of the one-way ticket to a maximum of $650.
If the involuntary bump lands you in your destination more than two hours late,
you are due an amount equivalent to four times the cost of your ticket to a maxi
mum of $1,300. The rule is the same for international flights, except that the D
OT defines "short" international delays (which net up to $650) as those that get
you to your destination within four hours of the original arrival time. Those t
hat get you to an international destination more than four hours late entitle yo
u to $1,300.
It's worth noting that most airlines will try to pay this fee in travel vouchers
, but you can demand a check. The DOT regulation requires the airline to give yo
u cash compensation if that's what you prefer, Hobica said.