The airline may not be able to place a passenger from a delayed or discontinued flight onto another airline, because the other airline may not wish to accept a discounted ticket from another line. In placing passengers onto other flights, an airline usually gives priority to those who have to reach continuing flights on the same airline before those who must connect to other airlines. Some airlines do not allow local supervisors to offer redress. In case of delay, check with the local staff to find out what services will be provided. Be sure to find out about meals, overnight lodging, and phone calls.
Airlines usually refuse to pay for financial losses resulting from arrival delays.
Therefore, when it is essential to keep a firm appointment upon arrival, the traveler should allow leeway by planing to take an earlier flight. If more people show up for the flight than the capacity of the plane, some passengers, even those with confirmed reservations, must be left behind. The US Department of Transportation specifies certain minimum compensation levels for passengers when a plane has been overbooked. Under these rules, the airline must first ask for volunteers at the check-in or boarding area to give up their seats for an amount of monetary compensation or benefits to be negotiated on the spot. The Department of Transportation has not set a minimum benefit level for this volunteer procedure.