What is Rule 240 in Air Travel?

What is Rule 240 in Air Travel? - Hot air ballons in the sky

This morning I was a little bit surfing on travel blog sites, and then I read this hint:

Know about Rule 240. If your flight is delayed or you get bumped from a flight, ask the ticketing agent if they can “rule 240” you. This term refers generally to getting you on to the next available flight either with the airline or with another airline. Using the lingo helps.

Unfortunately, there is no further explanation about this. So I'm asking: what is this rule exactly and more important, is it really true that it helps you to get the next flight? Does it only work in the US? Or world-wide?



Best Answer

By being able to quote "Rule 240" you're a step ahead of the crowd. This is particularly true in the United States, less so in most other parts of the world.

The U.S. is very consumer friendly. Being "bumped" is an "unfriendly" act, for which the passenger is deemed to deserve compensation. By quoting Rule 240, you demonstrate your awareness of:

  1. this underlying (American) thought pattern, and
  2. some of the mechanics of this compensation.

Basically, you've shown that you know how to "stand up for your rights" in a very litigious society. Most U.S. airline people on hearing this will go out their way to accommodate you — if they can.




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What is Rule 240 in Air Travel? - Assorted-color Hot Air Balloons on Grass Field during Golden Hour



What are the rules of flight?

Departure city guidelines
  • Arogya Setu App must be downloaded and activated in passengers phone.
  • web-check-in is mandatory.
  • Passengers shall wear a mask at all time during the journey.
  • Follow social distancing norms laid down by the airport operator.
  • Thermal screening is mandatory while entering the airport.


What are the rules on compensation for Cancelled flights?

The airline is required to compensate you for a canceled flight if you were notified less than 14 days before your original scheduled departure date. However, compensation is not required if the airline proves that extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather) caused the cancellation.

Which flights are covered by US regulations?

The Department's rules regarding flight delays and cancellations apply only to flights that operate to, from, or within the United States. However, passengers flying between or within foreign countries may be protected from flight delays and cancellations by the laws of another nation.

Does southwest compensate for delayed flights?

Depending on the length of the delay and the distance traveled, you can get up to $700 in compensation. You are also entitled to receive care including free food, refreshments, and, during lengthier delays, a hotel room, as well as free transfers to and from the airport.



Rule 240




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Francesco Ungaro, Sergey Platonov, Sergey Platonov, Pixabay