What Is the Contract of Carriage?
The Contract of Carriage is a legally binding agreement between you and the airline. It lays out the airline’s responsibilities—and your rights—as a passenger. It’s not something you sign with a pen, but when you buy a ticket, you're automatically agreeing to it.
Think of it like the terms and conditions of flying.
Every U.S. airline has its own version. It covers everything from baggage policies and cancellations to boarding procedures and refunds. If there’s a dispute—this is the document they’re going to point to.
Why Should You Care?
Because the airline is going to use this document to justify everything—whether it’s denying you a refund, rerouting you on a different flight, or refusing compensation for a long delay.
And here’s the kicker: airlines get to write these contracts themselves. That means they can (and do) include plenty of clauses that protect them—not necessarily you.
So while the DOT sets baseline rules for certain things (like tarmac delays or involuntary bumping), the Contract of Carriage fills in the gaps—and often determines what you're owed.
What's Inside a Typical Contract of Carriage?
It varies by airline, but here are the major sections you’ll usually find:
Flight delays and cancellations – What happens if your flight is canceled or delayed? Do they owe you a hotel? A meal voucher? Anything at all?
Baggage rules – Lost, delayed, or damaged bags? This section covers limits on liability and how to file a claim.
Refund policies – When are you entitled to a refund vs. just a credit?
Denied boarding compensation – Covers voluntary vs. involuntary bumping.
Force majeure clause – Basically, a list of events (like weather or political unrest) that lets the airline off the hook.
Changes to flight schedule – Can they move your flight time after you booked? Often, yes—and this section explains how.
Real-Life Example: Why This Matters
Let’s say your flight gets canceled due to mechanical issues. You assume the airline will pay for your hotel, since you’re stranded overnight. But you check their Contract of Carriage and realize—they’re not required to provide hotel accommodations if the cancellation was for safety or operational reasons.
Translation: You’re sleeping on the airport floor unless you pay out of pocket.
Can You Use It Against the Airline?
Absolutely. Most passengers never read the Contract of Carriage, but it’s a powerful tool—especially if the airline breaks its own rules.
For example:
If the airline promises to rebook you within a certain timeframe, and they don’t—point to the clause.
If they mishandle your baggage claim—point to the timeline in the contract.
If they cancel your flight and try to offer a voucher instead of a refund—you can cite the contract to demand your money back.
In disputes, the burden is on you to show what the airline agreed to do.
Where to Find It
Every major airline is required to publish their Contract of Carriage online. Here are a few links:
(Pro tip: Use Ctrl+F to search inside the document for words like “refund,” “delay,” or “accommodation.”)
What If the Airline Doesn’t Follow Its Own Rules?
If you believe an airline has violated its own Contract of Carriage, here’s what you can do:
Ask politely—but confidently. Reference the specific section and ask them to explain why it doesn’t apply.
Escalate to a supervisor. Agents often don’t know the fine print—you might need to climb the ladder.
File a complaint with the DOT. You can do that here.
Send a demand letter. That’s where we come in. If the airline refuses to honor its own contract, we can help you send a legal demand backed by regulatory precedent.
Bottom Line
You might not read every line of the airline’s Contract of Carriage—and we don’t blame you. But the next time your trip gets disrupted, knowing it exists (and where to find it) can make all the difference. Because airlines love to say: “It’s in the contract.” And now you can say: “Great—I’ve read it.”
Need help holding an airline accountable?
At Airclaim Legal Services, we help travelers use the law to fight back when airlines fail to deliver. From denied refunds to lost bags and beyond, we make sure your rights don’t get left on the runway.
Know Your Rights. Claim What’s Yours. Fly Fair.
If the airline broke its own contract, we’re here to help you enforce it.