U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has announced new rules that aim to provide better protections for airline passengers and save consumers money by preventing surprise junk fees in air travel. Speaking about the importance of these rules, Secretary Buttigieg stated, “Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them - without having to ask.”
The first rule requires airlines to automatically provide cash refunds to passengers when owed due to flight cancellations, significant changes, delayed checked bags, or unfulfilled ancillary services. Secretary Buttigieg emphasized that these rules will simplify the refund process for passengers, ensuring they receive prompt refunds in their original form of payment without having to navigate through cumbersome procedures.
Additionally, the Department of Transportation (DOT) is implementing measures to protect consumers from surprise airline fees by requiring airlines to disclose fees upfront for services like checked bags, reservation changes, and cancellations. This transparency will enable passengers to make informed decisions and avoid unexpected charges that can significantly increase the cost of air travel.
These actions align with the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to promoting fairer and more transparent markets. President Biden's Executive Order on Promoting Competition in 2021 encouraged the DOT to enhance consumer protections in the airline industry. The administration's efforts have already resulted in significant benefits for passengers, with over $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements returned to airline passengers since President Biden took office.
Furthermore, the DOT has made strides in holding airlines accountable for consumer protection violations, issuing fines totaling over $164 million against non-compliant airlines. The department has also introduced initiatives such as the flightrights.gov dashboard, ensuring that airlines fulfill their commitments to passengers during flight disruptions.
Moving forward, the DOT is working on additional rulemakings to further enhance air travel consumer protections. Proposed measures include banning family seating fees to ensure parents can sit with their children at no extra charge and mandating passenger compensation and amenities in case of flight delays or cancellations. The department is also seeking to expand the rights of passengers who use wheelchairs to ensure safe and dignified travel experiences.
Travelers can stay informed about their rights and protections when flying by visiting FlightRights.gov and filing airline complaints with the DOT when necessary. The Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to advocating for passengers' interests and promoting a fair and transparent air travel industry.
