Airlines are currently Required to issue automatic refunds to customersunder new Department of Transportation regulations that went into effect this week.
The new regulations won’t alleviate the hell of flight delays and cancellations, but if an airline doesn’t get you from point A to point B as promised, it will at least Money back guaranteed. The law is also intended to incentivize airlines to minimize disruption, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said when the rule went into effect Wednesday.
“If airlines know that there is a good chance that all passengers on canceled flights will actually get their money back, rather than just a few, it gives them another reason to invest and help them create realistic schedules. “You can. Such a cancellation is unlikely to happen in the first place,” he said. Flight cancellations this year are already below the historical average of 2%, showing that the efforts are already having an impact, the DOT said.
The rights afforded to airline passengers under the new rules are:
What is a “significant” delay?
For the first time, the new rules set criteria for what constitutes a “significant change” to a flight. Previously, the definition varied by carrier. Significant flight changes include delays of three hours or more for domestic flights and delays of at least six hours for international flights. It’s also important if your airline changes your flight’s departure or arrival airport, or adds a layover.
Change itinerary
In addition, if a passenger is downgraded to a lower class of service or to an airplane with fewer accommodations for passengers with disabilities, the DOT says they are automatically entitled to a refund.
baggage delay
The new rules also cover baggage delays. If a passenger’s checked baggage does not arrive within a reasonable time, the airline must refund the checked baggage fees paid. However, passengers must first file a baggage mishandling report with the airline. If your luggage is not delivered within 12 hours of arrival at the gate for domestic flights or 15-30 hours of arrival for international flights, you are entitled to a refund.
Refund for non-working Wi-Fi
If you paid for airline Wi-Fi and it doesn’t work, you’re entitled to a refund of the service fee. The same is true if you paid for a specific seat and were forced to sit somewhere else. However, these fees are usually much less than the cost of the ticket itself.
DOT’s final rule makes it easier and easier for riders to get the money they owe. Without this rule, in order to request and receive a refund, consumers would have to search the airline’s website to find out how to make a request, fill out additional “digital paperwork,” or even over the phone in some cases. You have to go through a cumbersome process, sometimes waiting for hours. ” the DOT says on its website. “Furthermore, passengers[previously]received travel credits or vouchers by default instead of refunds from some airlines, so if their flight was changed or canceled, there was no hassle. The refund could not be used to rebook on another airline during the request process. ”
Under the new rules, customer refunds must be made automatically and without any hassle. Tickets must also be issued promptly for the full ticket purchase price, either in cash or the original method of payment.
