Have you checked the fine print on the back of your airline ticket lately? If you do then you will find just one of the contracts you have entered into by purchasing your airline ticket. These are only the terms you have agreed to that you can actually see. There are a whole lot more that you need to be aware of.
Each airline files a series of statements (regarding their obligations to travelers) with the U.S. Department of Transportation. These statements are the airline's concealed rules known as "Conditions of Carriage". The Conditions of Carriage will cover things like limits of liability for lost baggage, check-in deadlines, responsibility for delayed or canceled flights, compensation for injuries and many other regulations. You will probably not be handed one of these statements. You have to ask for it. These concealed terms can make a considerable difference in your rights as a passenger. Conditions of Carriage vary from airline to airline and it is important to look for subtle differences that may be important to you because these concealed terms are non-negotiable.
If an airline violates your contract (the ticket) or the Conditions of Carriage then you may be able to recover compensation from the airline for breach of contract. Your rights to recover compensation are restricted by:
1.) The Federal Aviation Act, which governs your rights on domestic flights in the United States, and/or
2.) The Warsaw convention, which governs your rights on international flights.
You can obtain a summary of the hidden terms and conditions of most major airlines' contracts by requesting a copy of the United States Air Carriers, Conditions of Carriage, Summary of Incorporated Terms (Domestic Air Transportation) - From:
Air Transport Association
1301 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20004
800-497-3326 or visit our section on Bill Of Rights For Airline Travelers.
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