Playbooks / Airline
How to complain about a airline
Air travel is one of the few industries where a federal complaint reliably moves money.
What goes wrong most often
- Voucher offered where a cash refund is required
- Bags delayed or lost with the claim ignored
- Denied boarding without written compensation notice
The evidence that decides it
- The booking and the cancellation notice
- Boarding passes and bag tags
- Every refund request sent
Name the flight number, the date, and the refund amount owed.
The regulator most people never use
US Department of Transportation
DOT rules require cash refunds for cancelled and significantly changed flights. Airlines must respond to DOT complaints, and the counts are published monthly.
Your state's channel is listed in the state complaint guides.
Where to post it
- TrustpilotOnline shoppers, and often the business's own website widget.
- GoogleEveryone who searches the business by name, plus everyone browsing the map for a nearby alternative.
- FacebookLocals, and the business's own followers.
- Better Business BureauCautious buyers who check a company before spending money, and BBB pages rank strongly in search.
Wording that survives moderation
Start from a review template, keep every claim tied to a document, and read the wording rules before you post. If it comes down anyway, there is an appeal path.