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The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has mandated that airlines operating to, from, and within the United States provide automatic refunds to passengers affected by flight cancellations, significant delays, or service shortfalls, Wego reports.
Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them—without headaches or haggling. Today, our automatic refund rule goes into full effect. Airlines are required to provide prompt cash refunds without passengers having to ask. pic.twitter.com/otIvRaGJxC
— Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) October 28, 2024
The new rule stipulates that passengers are entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly altered and they choose to decline alternative options, such as rebooking or different compensation. This measure aims to alleviate the inconvenience and financial impact travelers face when airlines fail to uphold their original commitments.
Additionally, passengers experiencing baggage delays can receive refunds for baggage fees if their checked bag is not returned within a specified timeframe. For domestic flights, this threshold is set at 12 hours post-arrival, while international flights allow for either a 15-hour or 30-hour window, depending on the flight’s duration. This rule is designed to hold airlines accountable for mishandled baggage.
The DOT has also addressed ancillary services, including Wi-Fi, seat selection, and inflight entertainment. Passengers are entitled to refunds if these prepaid services are not delivered during the flight. This policy represents a broader effort by the DOT to ensure that airlines fulfill their commitments, enhancing transparency and reliability for travelers.
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