http://www.airlinedelay.com/airline-compensation-for-delayed-flights/

Deal with flight delays and cancellations
Airlines do not guarantee their schedules, and you should realize this when planning your trip. There are many things that can and often do make it impossible for flights to arrive on time. Some of these problems, like bad weather, air traffic delays and repairs mechanical, are difficult to predict and beyond the control of airlines.
If your flight is delayed, trying to figure out how late be. But keep in mind that it is sometimes difficult for airlines to estimate the total length of a delay in its early stages. In so-called "Progressive delays, "developments occur which were not anticipated when the company made its first estimate of the length of the delay.
The time had predicted time can improve deteriorate, or a mechanical problem can be more complex than initially determined. If the problem is with the local climate control air traffic, all flights will probably be late and there's not much you or the airline can do to speed his departure.
If there is a mechanical problem with the plane for their particular flight or if the crew is delayed on an incoming flight, it might be better to try to arrange another flight, if you do not have to pay a cancellation penalty or higher fare for changing your reservations. (Sometimes it is easier to make arrangements for your cell phone on a counter tickets.)
If you find a flight with another airline, ask the first airline to support its ticket to the new company, this could Save a rate increase. However, remember that there is no rule requiring to do this. Persistence can pay big dividends and get to your destination on time.
If your flight is canceled, most airlines to rebook on the first flight of theirs to your destination on which space is available at no additional cost. If this is a significant delay find out if another carrier has space, and ask the first airline to support their ticket. Finding extra seats may be difficult however, especially on holidays and other peak times.
Each airline has its own policies about what they will do for passengers suffering expected delays at the airport, there is no federal requirements. If you are delayed, ask the airline staff if they will pay for meals or a phone call. Some companies airlines often charge rates too low, do not provide any amenities to stranded passengers. Others can not provide services if the delay is caused by bad weather or something well beyond the control of the airline.
Contrary to popular belief, airlines are not required to compensate passengers of flights delayed or canceled. Compensation is required by law only when you are denied boarding a flight is overbooked. Airlines almost always refuse to pay passengers for financial losses resulting from a delayed flight. If the purpose of their trip is to close a potentially lucrative business for give a speech or lecture, to attend a family function, or to be present at any time-sensitive event, you may want to allow very good leeway and take an earlier flight.
In other words, delays and cancellations are not unusual for airlines, and defense against planning is a good idea when time is the most important consideration. When booking your flight remember that a departure early in the day is less likely to be delayed to a later flight, due to the "wave" effects throughout the day.
Also, if one of the first flight is not delayed or canceled, you have more options for diversion. If you book the last flight of day is canceled, you could get stuck overnight. You can select a connection (change of planes) on a nonstop or direct flight because of the time convenient or cheaper output.
However, a change of planes always involves the possibility of a bad connection. If you have the choice of connections and fares and service are equivalent, choose the one with the least congested connecting airport, so it will be easier to reach his second flight. If desired, have into account the possibility of bad weather, if you have the option of connecting cities.
When making your reservation for a connection, always check the amount of time between flights. Ask yourself what will happen if the first flight is delayed, if you do not like the answer, pick another flight or ask the agent to "construct" a connection allowing more time.
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