What is Rule 240?

Your flight has been canceled. You are stranded at the airport. You are wondering if there is anything you can do about it. When it is the airline's fault that you are stuck at the airport you may have an option -- Rule 240.

There is a certain mystique that exists around Rule 240 and how (sometimes if) it guarantees you certain rights as a passenger. It is important to note before delving into the particulars of Rule 240, that Rule 240 was originally established in the United States. Thus Rule 240 will be discussed in regards to U.S. carriers, and not for airlines outside of the United States.

What is Rule 240?
Rule 240 deals with the obligations that an airline has to a passenger when his/her flights cancel or delay, or connecting flights are missed due to the actions of the airline. It does not include flight delays or cancellations that result from inclement weather or other factors that are outside of an airline's control.

Where did Rule 240 come from?
Rule 240 was a U.S. federal requirement prior to airline deregulation in 1978. It was one of the many stipulations that existed prior to deregulation - the U.S. government obligated airlines to abide by a set of rules regarding the transport of passengers and the rights of passengers. Rule 240 has remained in existence because after deregulation most airlines continued to respect the 'old rules'.

Part 2: What Makes up Rule 240

How has Rule 240 changed?
Because Rule 240 deals with cancellations and delays, it is probably the best known of any 'rules' pertaining to the airline industry. What makes defining Rule 240 so troublesome is that since the deregulation of the U.S. airline industry Rule 240 is not a federal requirement. Therefore, if the airline has submitted the rule in their respective contracts (also conditions) of carriage (the ticket is a contractual agreement that an airline and passenger enter regarding the transport of a passenger) then the airline has a Rule 240, but it doesn't have to.

A common misconception is that all airlines are required to have a Rule 240, but they do not. And airlines have different versions of Rule 240, making it even more difficult for passengers to know their rights in the event of a delay or cancellation that has been caused by the airline.

What is considered the airline's fault regarding delays and cancellations?

• mechanical problems
• late arrival of an aircraft
• pilots or other crew that are not at the aircraft on the time
• other factors that are within an airline's control

What details might a Rule 240 include?
A Rule 240 may or may not include the following items:

• meal vouchers
• confirmation on the airline's next flight or on another airline
• option to not travel and obtain a refund
• hotel accommodation
• ground transportation
• phone calls

Part 3: Summing up Rule 240

Because Rule 240 is interpreted differently by each airline that has one, it is best to check the policy of the airline that you'll be traveling on. Arm yourself with a copy of the policy and have it with you at the airport. Some airlines may need to be reminded of their responsibilities. Others will be more fastidious and take care of their passengers, valuing their passengers' business.

When an airline is responsible for the delay or cancellation of your flight it is important to be aware of your rights as a passenger. So tote a copy of the Rule 240 for the appropriate airline (or a detailed contract of carriage for those without Rule 240 provisions) and hopefully you won't ever have to use it.

Despite the existence of Rule 240, many carriers simply let stranded passengers rot ans sweat it out at the airport. Treatment from budget carriers are even worse.