WASHINGTON — Travelers rejoice! The U.S. Government is proposing new rules that may give you more options when there are flight delays or cancelations.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is considering a 116-page proposal Tuesday, Aug. 3.
It includes changes to make sure travelers are treated fairly when airlines cancel or delay flights.
- Even if the ticket you bought is marked “nonrefundable.”
- Even if the delay or cancelation isn’t the airline’s fault.
- Even if you’re flying out of a U.S. airport on a foreign airline.
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One of the biggest changes involves when the government would require airlines to issue refunds to customers.
If the proposal is approved, customers could request a refund for any domestic flight delayed at least 3 hours. It would also kick in for international flights delayed at least 6 hours.
- Even if the airline offers travel credits.
- Even if the airline offers another transportation option.
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The government would require the airline to issue “prompt” refunds to travelers.
The proposal also considers refunds due to global outbreaks like COVID-19, border closures or entry restrictions.
“Regardless of the reason, consumers may reasonably prefer and are entitled to refunds. The availability of a voucher does not sufficiently mitigate the substantial harm of failing to provide a prompt refund,” the proposal says.
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If the protections are approved, the proposal could be the largest change for travelers’ rights in decades.
Want to share your thoughts on the proposal?
The Department of Transportation is accepting public comments through the end of October.
Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal and follow the online instructions for submitting yours.
Make sure you include the agency name and docket number DOT-OST-2022-0089 or the Regulatory Identification Number (RIN 2105-AF04) for the rulemaking at the beginning of your comment.
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