On April 24, 2024 U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced two final rules for airlines with issuing cash refunds when owed to airline passengers and for strict guidelines against surprise fees. The Biden administration looks to crack down on the airlines to better protect the traveling public. Here are some details on the latest changes to be implemented by the Department Of Transportation [DOT].
Issuing Refunds
Getting refunds from airlines can a hit or miss experience. On paper, passengers are entitled to a refund for a flight cancelation or major disruption. Speaking from personal experience, receiving a refund can be a long lengthy process with many hoops to jump through. Luckily these frustrating problems will be soon over. Under the new rules, passengers regardless of fare class, are entitled a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. According to the DOT “significant changes” include departure or arrival times that are affected more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability. Passengers will also be able to be refunded if their bags are mishandled or if their luggage is not delivered within 12 hours of their flight.
So Long Surprise Fees
Thankfully surprise fees added to an airline ticket will soon be no more. Under the, new ruling the DOT will require airlines to notify passengers upfront about the fees that they will charge for items such as a first and second checked bag, carry-on bags and reservation fees. This also includes cancelation fees. This will hopefully protect consumers from being hit with surprise fees that can add up quick. The DOT estimates over $500 million in savings passed off to the consumer from surprise fees following the ruling. “Airlines should compete with one another to secure passengers’ business—not to see who can charge the most in surprise fees,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “DOT’s new rule will save passengers over half a billion dollars a year in unnecessary or unexpected fees by holding airlines accountable for being transparent with their customers.”
Resources For Passengers
A full list of changes the DOT is implementing can be found here.
https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer
https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/airline-customer-service-dashboard
https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/airline-customer-service-dashboard