U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rules under 14 CFR Part 250 require Hawaiian Airlines, as a DOT-certified U.S. carrier, to pay compensation to passengers denied boarding involuntarily due to oversales. Compensation equals 100% of the one-way fare if alternate transportation arrives 1-2 hours after the planned arrival time, or 200% if more than 2 hours late, subject to CPI-adjusted caps per 14 CFR §250.5. This applies to domestic U.S. travel or foreign air transportation where denial occurs at a U.S. airport.

These federal rules control compensation, not Hawaiian Airlines' general refund policy, credit card chargebacks, or non-U.S. regimes like EU 261. Voluntary bumping, flight delays, or cancellations fall outside these oversale rules. Confirm involuntary status first, as exceptions apply under §250.6 (e.g., safety, government orders). Contact the airline immediately at the gate for alternate flights and compensation; gather evidence like your boarding pass and denial notice.

U.S. DOT Rules Govern Overbooked Flight Compensation

14 CFR Part 250 sets requirements for U.S. carriers like Hawaiian Airlines to handle oversales and minimize involuntary denied boardings. Carriers must establish boarding priority rules understandable to the average passenger (§250.2a) and solicit volunteers before involuntary denials (§250.2b).

For eligible passengers--those holding confirmed tickets who meet check-in deadlines and carrier requirements--compensation follows the delay in alternate transportation. The 2008 Federal Register update set base caps at $400 for the 200% amount, with ongoing CPI adjustments via the formula in §250.5: current limit multiplied by (July CPI-U of the adjustment year divided by August 2011 CPI-U), rounded to the nearest $25.

Exceptions, Limits, and Eligibility

Compensation applies only to involuntary denied boarding. Section 250.6 lists exceptions, including when the flight is canceled; lack of space for passengers' government-required medical equipment; or denial due to safety, government orders, or carrier exercise of reasonable discretion for operational/safety needs.

Passengers must comply with the carrier's check-in deadline and boarding rules. The one-way fare basis excludes frequent flyer or upgrade awards. Caps limit the 200% payment, adjusted annually for inflation as described.

Voluntary incentives for giving up a seat have no federal minimum or maximum; those are negotiated separately between passenger and airline.

Practical Next Steps and Escalation

At the gate or airport, request written confirmation of the involuntary denial, details on alternate transportation, and the compensation amount owed. Airlines must provide this per DOT rules.

Gather these items for your records:

• Boarding pass or ticket receipt
• Airline denial notice or gate agent statement
• Alternate flight itinerary and actual arrival times
• Correspondence with Hawaiian Airlines support

If not resolved, submit a complaint to DOT Aviation Consumer Protection online at transportation.gov/airconsumer. Check Hawaiian Airlines' Contract of Carriage for any additional procedures, but DOT minimums set the floor. Act promptly, though no strict deadline appears in the rules.

FAQ

Does this apply if I volunteered to be bumped?
No. Voluntary bumping has no federal compensation minimum; incentives are negotiated separately.

What if the flight was delayed or canceled, not overbooked?
DOT oversale rules under 14 CFR Part 250 do not cover delays or cancellations. Separate DOT rules for tarmac delays or cancellations may apply.

Is compensation automatic?
No. Confirm the denial was involuntary and request it from the airline; exceptions in §250.6 may apply.

How do I calculate my one-way fare?
Use the price paid for the denied segment to your next stopover or destination, per §250.5.