How to Complain to United Airlines and Get Compensation

Your Rights with United Airlines

United's Contract of Carriage binds the airline to specific obligations. For international flights, the Montreal Convention applies. For flights touching the EU, EU Regulation 261/2004 entitles you to up to €600. For domestic denied boarding, the DOT bump compensation rules apply.

Step 1 — Document Everything at the Airport

• Get the delay reason from a gate agent in writing or via the United app notification.
• For baggage: file a Property Irregularity Report before leaving baggage claim.
• Keep all receipts for expenses caused by the disruption.
• Screenshot departure boards, United app alerts, and your boarding pass.

Step 2 — Submit Your Complaint

Go to united.com → Help → Customer Care. Select your issue type and include: flight number, date, booking reference, and the specific amount you're claiming. Reference the relevant regulation. Give United a 14-day deadline to respond.

You can also call 1-800-864-8331 and ask to speak to Customer Relations (not general support). Document the name of the agent and what was promised.

Step 3 — Escalate

• DOT complaint: airconsumer.dot.gov — United must respond to federal complaints.
• Credit card chargeback: Dispute charges for services not rendered within 120 days.
• Small claims court: Effective for amounts under $10,000. United typically settles.
• State Attorney General: For consumer protection complaints about deceptive practices.

Compensation You Can Claim

• Denied boarding (domestic): Up to $1,550 cash.
• EU261 (qualifying flights): €250–€600 per person.
• Lost/damaged baggage: Up to $3,800 domestic, $1,900 international.
• Out-of-pocket expenses: Meals, hotels, and ground transport.

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