Airline inconveniences and fliers' rights

What are your "rights" when you fly? Not as many as you might think, despite the U.S. Department of Transportation recently announcing new regulations. Here's a rundown:

BUMPING

Scenario The airline sells more fares than it has seats on your domestic flight. Someone's got to stay behind.

Recourse You are entitled to as much as $650 cash compensation if the airline rebooks you to arrive two to four hours after your original arrival time; more than four hours, up to $1,300. You're entitled to receive cash. Do not accept a travel voucher; they often come with restrictions and extra hassle.

DELAYED FLIGHTS

Scenario You're off to a wedding, an important meeting or a funeral, but your flight is delayed or canceled and you won't arrive in time.

Recourse Even if you're flying on a nonrefundable ticket, under most airlines' contracts of carriage, under some circumstances, you can tell the airline to take a hike and get your money back.

CANCELED FLIGHTS

Scenario Your flight is canceled.

Recourse There's no government regulation that applies. Some airlines' might attempt to rebook you on a competing airline's next flight out. Other airlines might put you up in a hotel and provide meals.

SEAT SELECTION

Scenario Well ahead of the flight, you reserve an aisle seat, but on the day of the flight you're moved to a middle seat.

Recourse None. Airlines reserve the right to assign you to any seat they choose.

SCHEDULE CHANGES

Scenario You buy a ticket to Bogota in March. Right before you depart, the airline changes its schedule, causing you to spend an extra hotel night plus meals at your own expense.

Recourse The airline is not obligated to compensate you. Most travel insurance policies won't cover you, either. At best, you'll be offered a refund. This is one of the most pressing areas for new airline regulation.