Rule 240: Travelers Have Rights and Should consult Carrier's Policy

Have you ever read about Rule 240? Think about the times when the airline industry was regulated by the government. After deregulations, airlines continue to adopt or develop their own policies.

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.

How has Rule 240 changed?
Because Rule 240 deals with cancellations and delays, it is probably the best known of any 'rules' pertaining to the airline industry. What makes defining Rule 240 so troublesome is that since the deregulation of the U.S. airline industry Rule 240 is not a federal requirement. Therefore, if the airline has submitted the rule in their respective contracts (also conditions) of carriage (the ticket is a contractual agreement that an airline and passenger enter regarding the transport of a passenger) then the airline has a Rule 240, but it doesn't have to.

What details might a Rule 240 include?
A Rule 240 may or may not include the following items:
meal vouchers
confirmation on the airline's next flight or on another airline
option to not travel and obtain a refund
hotel accommodation
ground transportation
phone calls