Flights Canceled, Delayed and Rule 240

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 US 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'.