How to file a complaint against an airline / flight

Denied refund, cancellation, lost or damaged baggage, bumping, or disability access. Here is exactly which regulator has jurisdiction, where to file, and what to say.

The right regulator(s), in order

federal

DOT — Aviation Consumer Protection

The DOT is the ONLY regulator that can fine an airline. Airlines must acknowledge within 30 days and respond within 60. File here after the airline's own customer-service has failed.

Open the complaint portal →

Your full name, address, phone and email
The airline and flight number(s)
Confirmation/record locator and ticket number
What happened and when
The amount you are owed (refund / baggage value)
The specific outcome you are asking for
Receipts and the airline's responses

If the airline owes you a clear sum and ignores the DOT route, small-claims court works against airlines too. Open →

What to include in your complaint

Your full name, address, phone and email
The airline and flight number(s)
Confirmation/record locator and ticket number
What happened and when
The amount you are owed (refund / baggage value)
The specific outcome you are asking for
Receipts and the airline's responses

Draft my complaint now →

FAQ

Does filing a complaint get me my money back?
A regulator complaint pressures the company to fix it and creates an enforcement record, but it does not award you damages. For a specific dollar amount, small-claims court is usually faster. For injury or large losses, talk to an attorney.

Will they know I complained?
Most consumer complaints are shared with the company so it can respond. Some (e.g., OSHA, wage) let you stay confidential — we note that on each agency.

How long does it take?
Many agencies require the company to respond within 15–60 days. Keep your case number and the dates.

Complaint-routing & drafting information — not legal advice or representation. This is a self-help tool that points you to the regulator with jurisdiction and drafts a complaint for you to review and file. It is not a law firm, and using it does not create an attorney–client relationship. Which agency applies can depend on facts we don't see (the company's charter, your state, the exact conduct). Government portal links — especially state-level ones — can change; we show the official directory as a fallback and the date each was checked (2026-06-25). Some situations are legal claims for money or injury, not regulator complaints — we flag those and you should consult a licensed attorney in your state.