As of October 28, 2024, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has implemented new consumer protections for airline passengers, which I’d consider to be great news. This policy was first proposed back in August 2022, but as you’d expect, it takes quite some time for new regulations to take effect.
Continue reading: DOT Implements New Airline Ticket Refund Rules
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Pro-consumer is always a good thing. Republicans you've been lied to if you believe the "free market" (LOLOLOL) solves things
A lot of media outlets and influencers have misconstrued this to include delayed flights, without stating the caveat that you must also cancel/not take the flight as well. This will lead to tons of confusion, and perhaps a lot of anger and frustration at the airport.
As a PSA, I would be extra clear that you must cancel and not take your delayed flight.
There is a huge problem that this "solution" creates. Say there is a Crowdstrike related meltdown at Delta again. Delta can comply with the new regulations by saying "you are in Augusta, GA wanting to go home to Oklahoma City and your return is now rescheduled for 6 days later....if you don't accept it, here's your money back....so what that you are stranded".
A more effective solution would be to force Delta to get to back by United, American, or someone else as one option.
But congratulations to Mayor Pete. That is why we need to vote for Harris. She will keep Mayor Pete. She will also punish the rich and make them pay their fair share. She might even punish these cocky frequent flyer elites who have a fat head and lots of miles. Tax those people because they should pay their fair share and give miles to the poor.
@ derek -- I'm not sure I follow your logic as to how this solution creates a new problem? It just clarifies that in the event that you don't take a flight that has a significant schedule change, you're due an automatic refund.
Yes, I'd absolutely love to see more protection between carriers in the event of irregular operations, but that's an unrelated topic. This new regulation doesn't give airlines an out when it comes to providing care and rebooking passengers on the next available flight within their policies.
Also, speaking of CrowdStrike and Secretary Buttigieg, remember how Delta ended up being strong armed into compensating passengers for cash tickets on other airlines? Well, we have Buttigieg to thank for that, because Delta reversed its stance shortly after he announced that the airline would be investigated.
Look, we all have our political beliefs, but let's make this blog a place where we can escape the typical news cycle out there. Suggesting that Harris "will also punish the rich and make them pay their fair share" has nothing to do with the topic at hand.
"Suggesting that Harris "will also punish the rich and make them pay their fair share" has nothing to do with the topic at hand."
(It's hard to talk sense to RWNJs)
Very welcome and reasonable rules
I expect some issues regarding the need to refund for delays
For instance, if a flight hits a three hour delay, is a traveler still entitled to a refund if they board another flight and 'no show' their original flight that finally takes off at a 5 hour delay? Is there a right to avoid refunding a linked return leg?
Any recourse for those with existing Travel Credits? Would prefer a straight refund to CC rather than an expiring credit held hostage by Delta
Most people if their flight is delayed or cancelled are going to be rebooked by that same airline because that airline has the best options.
Airlines don't interairline like they did 20 years ago. Thank cheap tickets (which you all claim to love) and packed planes. There needs to be a seat to put you in. Moreover, if you have an exit row with United unless you have real time sensitive situation are you going to trade it for a middle Delta seat save for a short flight. And let's not forget most delays and cancellations are weather and/or ATC related and the airline isn't going to interairline you unless maybe you're at the invite only elite level.
Lot of hot air.
Ben - I believe that Ben's logic is that Delta would rather refund you $200, than pay AA or United $600 to get you on a flight sooner than 6 days out. Assuming that Delta pays AA or United the current fare.
@Lucky - point taken, but this is pretty bad. Just go to google news and type in "delayed flights" and look at the results for yourself. I think there could be widespread confusion. Misinformed people yelling at gate agents for refunds during the boarding process isn't going to be good for anyone.
This solution creates a new problem because airlines can now wash their hands off the problem by giving you a refund. They can do so and make you stranded in a faraway airport you unless you agree to a very inconvenient replacement flight. They can then say that they offered you a refund but the passenger did not accept this legally sufficient remedy.
@travlinwily I agree it's hard to talk sense to RWNJs so I anticipate it being hard to talk with you. Harris is the answer.
Hi @Ben
I know this is out of topic but i wanted to request you for an article on Cathay Pacific's new Aria business class suites, premium economy and economy class. I would love to hear your thoughts about the Aria suites. In my opinion those seats are not revolutionary but an evolution of the current business class seats with some new technology and doors. I will appreciate an article on the suites.
And when are you planning to fly the Aria suites?
From what I understand, if the airline refunds you they will refund ALL non used flight segments of your itinerary. I do forsee some problems there. If you are no show on the alternative flight the airline will proactively refund the unused segements as per new rule withount needing to ask or receive the confirmation the customer really wants to be refunded.
In the long run, this will only result in higher fares for everyone. That’s the difference between free market and govt regulations. I’m not opposed to this idea but there are always repercussions with govt involvement. Expect higher rates.
A good start, but still a long way away from the EU Regulation EC261/2004 unfortunately
@derek, why do you think you wouldn't be able to speak with an agent to try and find a different routing, as you already can do if you don't like the new itinerary they give you? All this rule does is require a full refund in 7 days if you choose to get a refund, you're way overthinking this.
These regulations are still pathetically weak compared to EU/UK261 (a similar version of which has also been adopted in Turkey and Israel).
Two very basic rights are still missing - the right to be rebooked at the earliest opportunity (even on other airlines), and the right to accommodation and food during delays. That is the bare minimum I would expect in a civilised country.
It would also be great to get compensation for delays/cancellations but despite the "compensation culture" in the US, the airlines have successfully lobbied against any sort of liability, even when they're at fault.