Finally, some good news for airline passengers this week. California travelers just received good news regarding a proposed bill to ensure more equity in airport security checkpoint lines. And at this point, we’ve all heard about the new enhanced security measures coming soon with our new REAL IDs.
Now the Department of Transportation (DOT) just announced on Wednesday, April 24 that there will be new requirements for airlines to follow regarding compensation for passengers on significantly delayed and canceled flights. The new rules are the largest increase of airline passenger rights in the history of the DOT. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated “This is a big day for America’s flying public,” at Wednesday’s news conference.
What is the new law?
One of the biggest wins in this new law is the fact that airlines can no longer determine for themselves the length of a delay that would require compensation. With these new DOT requirements, if a domestic flight is delayed more than three hours or an international flight is delayed more than 6 hours, then automatic compensation is required.
Additionally, passengers will be “entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered.” The major issue of lost bags is also addressed. Airlines are now required to give cash refunds if bags are lost and not delivered within 12 hours.
And as if all that wasn’t enough, the new DOT rules also mandate that passengers receive refunds for any extra services that were paid for and then never received, like in-flight entertainment, in-flight Wi-Fi, and special seat selection.
Who will qualify for a refund?
Plus, there’s another win for passengers. This new law includes all tickets regardless if they’re purchased directly from airlines and travel agents or from third-party ticket sites like Travelocity, Expedia, or Skyscanner. And as any frequent flyer knows, navigating refunds through third-party ticket sites can often be an extra frustration.
When will the refunds be issued?
Another piece of great news is that all refunds must be issued within seven days. Additionally, the refunds must be issued in cash unless the passenger chooses otherwise. Airlines can no longer force passengers to accept vouchers or flight credits as their form of repayment. All passengers are now entitled to receive full cash refunds. Buttigieg stated that “Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them — without headaches or haggling.”
When will the law go into effect?
The new DOT rules for all airlines will go into effect within the next 6 months. They aim to hold the airlines accountable by ensuring that all passengers get every refund owed to them in a timely manner.
What comes next for future DOT airline laws?
The Department of Transportation also announced that it is working on several laws regarding multiple other traveling issues such as family seating fees. Plus, they aim to enhance flying rights for wheelchair-traveling passengers in order to ensure they have a safe and dignified flying experience.