Airlines, Cruises, Buses & Other Mass Transit

Most airlines, bus lines, train companies, and cruise lines are “common carriers.” A common carrier is a transportation company that is required by law to accept all paying passengers and freight. That is, as long as you pay the fare a common carrier cannot refuse to transport you to your destination. If a common carrier transportation company is capable of transporting you or your goods, it must do so; it cannot discriminate on any basis.

Catastrophic events involving common carriers include, plane crashes, train derailments, bus accidents, and maritime accidents. Additionally, a common carrier may be liable for other non-catastrophic incidents such as a slip and fall on a cruise ship, a sexual assault by a cruise ship employee or passenger, and many others. Generally, common carriers are held to a very high safety standard and may be liable for even the slightest amount of neglect.