For a brief moment, our travelers may end up automatically cashing when airlines’ own problems ruin their plans.
The Department of Transportation, led by former President Joe Biden, has drafted a rule that requires carriers to pay passengers at least $200, up to $775, to pay for the longest holding. Indemnity will cover meals, hotels, ground transportation and rebooking, at the time under the airline’s control.
But no more. September 5, Trump administration’s point officially withdraws the plansaid that this move coincides with the priorities of its priorities, to return the regulations consider it to be heavy.
In fact, nothing has changed with our flyers. Still no legal rights Delayed cash compensation Or most cancellations, protection will continue to depend on the airline’s policies and existing refund rules.
The decision restricted a year-long tug-of-war in terms of how far the government should go. The rules of the Biden-era era are intended to push the United States closer European EU261 frameworkwhich requires compensation, when the airline caused the problem delayed to arrive for 3 hours or more (unless abnormal situations such as bad weather). Industry groups believe Biden’s approach will increase costs and reduce choices, while consumer advocates say it will eventually have real consequences for a controlled collapse.
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Despite the withdrawal of the program, the DOT’s finalized light-touch refund rules remain active in 2024. These require airlines Issuing automatic cash refunds When a flight is cancelled or significantly changed, when checked baggage is significantly delayed and extras (such as Wi-Fi) are paid (such as Wi-Fi). Airlines must also notify passengers of refund rights before promoting coupons.
This makes sense, but not the same as compensation. Of course, you can get your money back if you don’t travel, but you won’t get the extra cash and hassle when the delays caused by the airline.
Instead, what you get during a “controllable” interruption (IT system failure, aircraft maintenance, etc.) is still dependent on your public commitment. point Airline cancels and delays dashboard List what each airline says to do: Dining vouchers in three hours, overnight hotel nights, rebooking on partner airlines. Government agencies can hold airlines accountable for these commitments. However, such policies are not legal obligations, they vary by airline.
When an airline’s mistake causes a trip to be off the table, American travelers will automatically receive the idea of long-term floating cash. Refunds are clearer and faster than before, but if you want EU-style delay compensation, then in the United States, you are unfortunately.
