Joe Biden’s government approved a series of regulations that will require airlines in the territory to automatically refund cash cancellations and delays to their flights, in addition to improving transparency regarding baggage fees.
According to an official statement from the US Department of Transportation (DOT), airlines will be required to make these automatic cash refunds when they cancel flights or experience “significant” delays.
Until now, airlines had discretion to determine the minimum duration of a delay before proceeding with refunds, however, the new regulation eliminates this freedom by establishing that a delay is considered significant if it reaches three hours in domestic flights and six on international flights.
Airlines may offer alternatives such as other flights or travel credits, but customers will be free to decline such offers if they wish to receive a cash refund.
The statement explains that this new measure is implemented with the aim of providing greater protection and transparency to the clients of these companies, thus guaranteeing better treatment in case of cancellations or delays.
It’s important to note that the DOT issued a separate rule requiring airlines to disclose in advance how much they charge for checked and carry-on bags, as well as the cost of canceling or changing a reservation.
In this way, airline websites must display fares from the first time customers see the price and schedule of flights.
This measure will also force airlines to inform passengers that they have a guaranteed seat, for which they do not have to pay more, although it will not prohibit charging for the selection of a preferential seat.
“Passengers deserve to know in advance the costs they face and should get their money back when an airline owes them, without having to ask,” said Pete Buttigieg, current Secretary of Transportation.
The official added that the announcements should be clearer, and provide better information about the costs to their passengers, before having to buy the ticket.
These changes occur after several airlines such as American Airlines have announced an increase in baggage fees, as well as changes in customer loyalty programs.
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