Flyers who have their flights canceled or delayed could soon receive significant relief from the frustrations of air travel. President Joe Biden and Transportation Secretary Buttigieg have unveiled new rules that require U.S. airlines to compensate passengers for disruptions caused by the airline, including expenses for meals, hotels, and rebooking.
The Hidden Hassle of Canceled Flights
The issue of canceled flights was highlighted during the airline disruptions of Winter Storm Elliott in December 2022, where many busy airports were overcrowded with stranded passengers. Airlines previously evaded responsibility for supporting passengers through hotel stays, meal expenses, and other necessary costs when flights were disrupted. Currently, there is no requirement for U.S. airlines to offer compensation for delayed or canceled flights, unlike European Union regulations that mandate compensation of up to 600 euros (about $663) for significant delays.
Understanding Passenger Compensation
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), there are limited airlines that guarantee frequent flyer miles or travel vouchers as compensation in the event of significant delays or cancellations caused by factors within the airline’s control.
New Passenger Compensation Regulations
In response to years of passenger complaints, USDOT is establishing regulations to ensure airlines cover costs related to canceled or delayed flights. The new rules will address critical areas of concern for passengers:
- Cash reimbursement for travelers affected by controllable airline cancellations or delays of three hours or more
- Reliable customer service support during widespread flight irregularities
- Provision of meal vouchers, overnight accommodations, and transportation for controllable cancellations or delays
Additional Protections for Air Travelers
The USDOT has implemented various policies to assist air travelers over the past year. For instance, on Nov. 14, 2022, six airlines were fined a total of $7.25 million due to failures in processing timely refunds for canceled or significantly altered flights. Furthermore, the Airline Customer Service Dashboard was introduced, allowing passengers to compare refund and reimbursement policies among major U.S. airlines.
The Bottom Line for Airline Passengers
Once the proposed USDOT rules come into effect, travelers will navigate cancellations and delays with greater ease. Airlines will be required to provide better customer service, including cash compensation and accommodations for affected passengers. However, until these rules are implemented, airlines currently hold no obligation to offer cash compensation to passengers.
