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Airline passenger compensation under consideration

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The U.S. Department of Transportation is considering new rules that may increase the compensation offered passengers delayed or denied boarding by any American airline.

Current regulations allow for a 100 percent refund of the full one-way fare (up to $200) for those delayed less than two hours, and a 200 percent refund of the full one-way fare (up to $400) for those delayed more than two hours. But rates vary for international flights, and passengers onboard planes with 30 to 60 seats receive no compensation at all.

Among the alternatives the Department of Transportation is considering are increasing limits based on the Consumer Price Index, doubling the maximum amount allowed, and eliminating the limits, but retaining the 100 percent and 200 percent compensation.