Airline passengers will now get automatic cash refunds when their flights are canceled or significantly delayed under new rules announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
“This is a big day for America’s flying public,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at a press conference unveiling the passenger protections. “Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them – without headaches or haggling.”
The sweeping new regulations represent the largest expansion of air traveler rights in the department’s history. Airlines will be required to provide prompt refunds for flights canceled for any reason, as well as for domestic flights delayed by 3 hours or more and international flights delayed 6 hours or longer.
“Airlines are not enthusiastic about us holding them to a higher standard,” Buttigieg acknowledged, “but I know they will be able to adapt to this.”
The refund requirements apply to tickets purchased directly from airlines, travel agents or third-party booking sites like Expedia. Refunds must be issued within 7 days in cash, unless the passenger opts for a travel credit or voucher.
Airlines will also have to refund fees for extras like wi-fi, seat selection and inflight entertainment if those services are not provided.
“Passengers deserve reliable service, and when that doesn’t happen, they should be made whole,” said Consumer Reports’ Bill McGee, who called the rules “a huge victory for air travelers.”
The DOT regulations come after it fined Southwest Airlines a record $140 million for its holiday meltdown last year that left millions stranded. Buttigieg said that penalty “set a new standard” for airlines to follow passenger rights rules.
Airlines for America, the industry’s trade group, said in a statement that its members already “offer a range of options – including fully refundable fares” and that consumers can choose “terms and conditions that best fit their needs.”
The group also noted that major U.S. airlines issued $43 billion in refunds from 2020-2023 amid pandemic travel disruptions.
The new refund rules give airlines 6 months to comply. Buttigieg said the DOT is also working on regulations regarding family seating fees, accessibility for disabled travelers, and compensation for delays and cancellations caused by airlines.
Source: ABC News
