Passengers will be entitled to refunds in certain situations for canceled or significantly changed flights.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) finalized a rule in April 2024 to protect airline passengers, mandating automatic refunds for canceled flights or significant schedule changes when travelers choose not to proceed with their journey. The rule sets standards for when refunds are owed and eliminates previous inconsistencies where airlines could set their own policies.
Airlines must now automatically refund passengers if a flight is canceled or significantly altered, with guidelines surrounding substantial changes to timing, airport, or travel connections. The rule also covers refunds for mishandled baggage or purchased services such as Wi-Fi or seat selection that were not fulfilled.
The department specified that refunds must be issued promptly and be provided in the original payment form, such as cash or miles, unless the traveler voluntarily opts for alternative compensation. The rule is intended to shift the burden from passengers to airlines, ensuring a streamlined process for refunding the full ticket price, taxes, and fees when applicable.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Buttigieg and U.S. transportation officials as they seek to ensure airlines adhere to the refund regulations.
- For Administrator Michael Whitaker as he seeks to make improvements in the FAA.
Sources: Department of Transportation
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