How to File an Airline Consumer Complaint

Escalation works best after you have the airline's written response or a record of no reply.

Before you begin

Have the first airline claim, its reply or lack of one, and the booking documents ready before you approach a regulator.

Step-by-step

1. Identify the jurisdiction and official complaint route.
2. Attach the ticket, notices, claim and airline response.
3. State the remedy sought and separate each amount.

One thing to watch

The authority's power to investigate can differ from its power to order payment.

Use the airline directory for the right official page and the rule library for the conditions that apply to your flight.

Official sources

• File a Consumer Complaint — U.S. DOT; checked 2026-10-31
• Air passenger rights — European Union / Your Europe; checked 2026-10-31