HOUSTON — As the holiday travel rush gets underway for Thanksgiving, air travelers need to be aware of new protections that are in place in case something goes wrong.
The Biden administration’s new airline consumer protection rules went into effect on October 28, requiring carriers to automatically issue cash refunds for things like delayed flights and to better disclose fees for baggage or canceling a reservation.
New refund rules for airlines
Under the new Transportation Department regulations, airlines must now provide automatic cash refunds within a few days for canceled flights and "significant" delays.
What constitutes a significant delay?
A significant delay is now officially defined as lasting at least three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international ones.
While airlines can still offer another flight or travel credit, consumers now have the explicit right to reject these alternatives and receive cash refunds instead.
Refund rules for airline fees
The rules also mandate refunds of checked-bag fees if bags aren't delivered within 12 hours for domestic flights or 15 to 30 hours for international flights. Additionally, airlines must refund fees for services like seat selection or internet connection if they fail to provide them.
Why these changes matter
These regulations were developed following a surge in refund complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic when flight cancellations peaked and many passengers were hesitant to fly.