Image Credit: Alessandra Taryn

Let’s set the scene. You’re on your way to a pivotal business meeting.

You’re on the threshold of a crucial sale or a command performance appearance.

The financial stakes are huge.

But your plane is late.

Or worse—your flight is canceled.

Can you sue the airline for damages if you miss that meeting or deadline?

The answer lies in the often-confusing words, “federal preemption.”

The answer is no. So what is federal preemption?

Under U.S. federal deregulation, when it comes to an airline’s price, route, or service, only the federal government is permitted to make or enforce the law.

This also applies to individual U.S. states.

Even they are prevented under the law from suing airlines, or creating rules or a passenger bill of rights for airlines that operate within those states.

So remember that the next time you schedule a flight, whether you’re on a business trip or flying to connect to a cruise ship.

You might want to go a day earlier just in case.

For more information about airlines and airports, check out:

• How Much Airlines Can Offer You on Overbooked Flights
• Do Recent Air Travel Incidents Reflect Airline Values?
• Know Your Rights When You’re on an Overbooked Flight

Keep reading for more travel tips.