In a groundbreaking move for consumer rights in the airline industry, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg has ushered in a new policy that promises to revolutionize how passengers deal with flight disruptions. Starting now, airlines must provide automatic refunds for significantly delayed or canceled flights, marking a significant shift towards passenger-centric airline policies
Cancelled Or Significantly Changed Flights
Until now passengers were entitled to refunds for Canceled flights, but had to request it from the airline. With the new policy, the refund must be automatically issued by the airline without having to request it. Passengers can also now refuse any significantly changed flights and are entitled to an automatic refund.
Significantly Delayed Baggage Return
Passengers who have filed a mishandled baggage report are entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee is the bag isn’t delivered within the applicable time frame after arrival:
Within 12 Hours of the passengers domestic flight arriving at the gate OR within 15 or 30 hours for International flights, depending on the length of the flight
Ancillary Services Not Provided
Passengers are entitled to a refund for any fee they paid for an extra service if the airline fails to provide this service. This includes Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment.