Flight Day - Cancellation Rules

What is Rule 240?
Rule 240 often refers to individual airline’s rules specifying the amenities offered to affected passengers when there is an irregular flight operation, including flight delays and cancellations. When a customer purchases an airline ticket, he enters into a contractual agreement. This agreement or, "Contract of Carriage", comprises a number of rules that reflect the rights and responsibilities of the customer and the airline. Please note: Rule 240 is not a government mandated rule or regulation.

Why is it called Rule 240?
Historically, the airlines have followed the same standard numeric format for listing contract of carriage rules, and "Rule 240" is the placeholder for rules dealing with flight delays and cancellations. However, not all airlines follow this practice and may simply refer to such rules in their contract of carriage under the the heading "Delayed or Canceled Flights" or "Failure to Operate as Scheduled".

What does Rule 240 say?
In general, airline "Rule 240" policies are often very specific about what, if any, amenities travelers may receive that are affected by a delay, cancellation or misconnection. If certain conditions are met, an airline may offer prepaid phone cards, meals, or hotel accommodations to affected passengers. Additionally, Rule 240 may offer passengers affected by a delay or cancellation, the right to cancel their trip and receive a full refund of the unused portion(s) of the ticket, including for non-refundable tickets.

When does Rule 240 not apply?
The airlines are less likely to offer amenities or services if the delay is caused by a "force majeure" event. These events are defined as any event beyond the control of the airline, such as weather, acts of God, civil commotion, wars, hostilities, strikes, labor-related disputes, government regulation, shortage of labor or fuel, or other facts not foreseen.

Where do I get a copy of an airline's involuntary flight delay / cancellation (Rule 240) rules?
The airlines are required to maintain a copy of their "Contract of Carriage" at the airport ticket counter. Customers can request a copy when checking-in.

Also, many of the carriers allow you to download a copy of their Contract of Carriage from the Internet:

• Alaska
• AirTran
• America West
• American
• Continental
• Delta
• Northwest
• Southwest
• United

If Rule 240 is an airline-defined rule, is there a government requirement that the airlines compensate affected passengers for flight irregularities?
No. Contrary to popular belief, there are no federal requirements that the airlines compensate passengers whose flights are delayed or cancelled. The law only requires compensation when a customer has been "bumped" from a flight that is.