Difficulties in Receiving Airline Refunds May Increase
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has withdrawn a proposal that would have implemented a tiered cash compensation system for travelers whose flights are delayed or canceled. This decision has raised questions about the future of airline consumer protections in the United States.
If an airline is being difficult or reluctant to uphold its own policies, a complaint can be filed with the DOT. However, it's important to note that the DOT does not guarantee that airlines will be held accountable for upholding their own policies on refunds and compensation.
Some of the most notable consumer protections that could be rolled back include the requirement for airlines to disclose all fees and charges before the purchase, the rule that allows passengers to bring emotional support animals on flights without additional fees, and the rule that prohibits airlines from involuntarily bumping passengers from flights once the plane door has closed.
If any changes are made, flyers will need to find out what their new guarantees are. In the meantime, it's crucial to understand the current protections. For instance, when entitled to a refund, refund must be made within 7 business days if paid via credit card, and 20 calendar days if paid by any other method.
It's also worth considering booking a flight with a credit card, specifically a travel card, as some offer complimentary trip protection of some kind. If the card booked with does not offer similar protections, travel insurance can be purchased for even more robust trip protections, including "cancel for any reason" coverage.
Other Biden-era rules that have already been implemented are also up for review and potential rollback in the coming months. The DOT is also reviewing existing consumer protection regulations, which could potentially make it harder to get a refund for a delayed or canceled flight in the future.
Critics of the proposed rule, such as airlines and trade associations like Airlines for America, argue that it would drive up ticket prices. However, if implemented, they estimate that ticket prices would go up no more than $1 per flight. Consumer advocate groups like Skycop and AirHelp told Travel Weekly that similar mandates in the European Union account for less than 1% of ticket prices for European consumers.
The DOT has not yet announced any changes to the rights to refunds and other consumer protections for flyers. Until then, it's essential to stay informed and understand the current protections to ensure a smooth and hassle-free flying experience.
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