What type of law governs the legal relationship between airlines and passengers?

Transportation law governs the legal relationship between airlines and passengers. This area of law encompasses a variety of regulations, statutes, and rulings that dictate the responsibilities and rights of transportation providers, such as airlines, and their customers. It covers numerous topics including ticketing, delays, cancellations, liability in the event of accidents, and compensation for lost or damaged baggage.

Transportation law is specifically tailored to address the unique aspects of air travel, such as safety regulations set forth by aviation authorities, ensuring the protection of passenger rights, and detailing the obligations of airlines. This framework ensures that airlines operate safely and responsibly while providing recourse for passengers in the event of disputes or issues arising from their travel experience.

Other areas of law, such as civil law, primarily deal with private rights and grievances but do not specialize in the operational and regulatory needs of the transportation sector. Criminal law pertains to crimes and their prosecution, which is not relevant in a direct passenger-airline context. International law, while relevant in addressing aviation matters in a global context, does not specifically define the passenger-airline relationship, which is more precisely covered by transportation law.