The Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced new rules that will require airlines to automatically issue cash refunds to passengers for canceled and significantly delayed flights.
The new rules, which require prompt refunds, are the largest expansion of passenger rights in the department’s history. The delays covered would be more than three hours for domestic flights and more than six hours for international flights.
Passengers are entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered.Â
The rules also require airlines to give cash refunds if bags are lost and not delivered within 12 hours. The refunds must be issued within seven days and must be in cash unless the passenger chooses another form of compensation.Â
The DOT is also working on rules related to family seating fees, enhancing rights for wheelchair-traveling passengers, and mandating compensation and amenities if flights are delayed or canceled by airlines.
