The Department of Transportation announced new rules Wednesday aimed at two of the most difficult and annoying issues in air travel: getting a refund and unexpected fees late in the booking process.
“Passengers have a right to know in advance what costs they are facing, and if an airline owes money, they will get their money back without even asking,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. “The changes will not only save time” for passengers, he said. Not only will it save you money, but it will also help prevent headaches.
Buttigieg said the department's new rules will require airlines to adhere to clear and consistent standards when canceling, delaying or making significant changes to flights, and to automatically issue refunds within weeks. It is said to be mandatory. He also plans to demand that all fees be disclosed before a ticket is purchased.
Airlines for America, a trade group representing the nation's largest airlines, said in a statement that its airlines “comply and often exceed” the U.S. Department of Transportation's consumer protection regulations. .
Passenger advocates welcomed the new measures.
Tomasz Pauliszyn, CEO of Berlin-based AirHelp, which helps passengers with ticket claims, said this would bring the United States closer to global standards for passenger rights. “This is a major step forward and a significant improvement in the
Here's what we know about the DOT's new rules, which begin taking effect in October.
There is currently one definition of “significant” delay.
Previously, airlines were allowed to set their own definitions of “significant” delays, and compensation varied from airline to airline. Currently, according to the DOT, there is one criterion: 3 hours for domestic flights and 6 hours for international flights, in case of delayed departure or arrival.
Passengers receive prompt refunds for flight and baggage delays, cancellations, or significant changes for any reason.
When something went wrong, getting compensation from the airline often required creating a tedious paper trail and spending countless hours on the phone. Under the new rules, refunds will be issued automatically without the passenger having to request them. We will refund you in full, excluding transportation costs that you have already used. Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds in the original payment method, such as cash, credit card, or airline miles. Refunds are due within 7 days for credit card purchases and 20 days for other payments.
Passengers who experience other flight disruptions, such as being demoted to a lower class of service, are also entitled to a refund.
The list of important changes for which passengers will receive a refund also includes: Departing from or arriving at a different airport than the one you booked. Transfers at different airports or on planes that are difficult to access for people with disabilities. The number of scheduled connections increases. Additionally, passengers who have paid for services such as Wi-Fi or seat assignments and are no longer able to do so will receive a refund.
Airlines must provide travel vouchers or credits to ticketed passengers who are unable to fly due to government regulations or doctor's orders.
Vouchers or credits are transferable and can be used for at least 5 years from the date of issue.
Charges for checked baggage and reservation changes must be disclosed in advance.
Airlines and ticket agents are now required to clearly and separately display additional charges, such as checked baggage and seat selection, before purchasing a ticket. You should also outline the airline's policies regarding baggage, cancellations, and flight changes before customers purchase their tickets.
The rule applies to all domestic airline flights and flights operated by foreign airlines to and from the United States, with different start dates.
For example, automatic refunds must be issued by the airline within six months. But airlines have a year to issue travel vouchers or credits to passengers who have been advised by medical professionals not to fly.
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