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Airline Passenger Refund Rights New automatic airline refund rules are now in effect
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New Airline Refund Rules: A Traveler's Guide to What's Changed (and What Hasn't)
The Big News: Travelers in the U.S. are now entitled to automatic refunds for significantly delayed or canceled flights, thanks to a new rule from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), which came into effect in October 2024.
Why it Matters: This rule aims to simplify the often frustrating process of obtaining refunds from airlines, making air travel less stressful and more consumer-friendly. As Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg puts it, "From day one of this administration, we have been working to improve the entire experience for airline passengers."
The Devil is in the Details: While the new rule is undeniably a win for passengers, there are some crucial nuances and potential downsides that travelers need to be aware of.
When You're Entitled to a Refund:
- Flight Cancellations: If your flight is canceled and the airline doesn't rebook you on a suitable alternative, you are automatically entitled to a full refund, regardless of the reason for the cancellation.
- Significant Delays: Domestic flights delayed by 3+ hours and international flights delayed by 6+ hours automatically qualify for a full refund, provided you don't accept rebooking or alternative compensation.
- "Significant Changes": A "significant change" to your flight can also trigger a refund. This includes:
- Changes to the departure or arrival airport
- Increase in the number of connections
- Downgrades in seating class
- Changes that make the flight less accessible for passengers with disabilities
- Delayed Baggage: If your checked bag is delayed by more than 12 hours on a domestic flight or 15-30 hours on an international flight, you're entitled to a refund of your baggage fees.
- Unprovided Extra Services: If you pay for extras like Wi-Fi or seat selection and they aren't provided, you can also claim a refund.
Support the show
Contact RAnks’s Podcast
- Email us at [email protected]
Thank you for tuning in!
Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following, sharing, and leaving a review—it helps more listeners find us. A special shoutout to everyone who keeps this journey going, including our amazing guests and, of course, *you*, the listener. Stay curious, stay kind, and we’ll catch you next time!
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By RAnksSend us a text
New Airline Refund Rules: A Traveler's Guide to What's Changed (and What Hasn't)
The Big News: Travelers in the U.S. are now entitled to automatic refunds for significantly delayed or canceled flights, thanks to a new rule from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), which came into effect in October 2024.
Why it Matters: This rule aims to simplify the often frustrating process of obtaining refunds from airlines, making air travel less stressful and more consumer-friendly. As Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg puts it, "From day one of this administration, we have been working to improve the entire experience for airline passengers."
The Devil is in the Details: While the new rule is undeniably a win for passengers, there are some crucial nuances and potential downsides that travelers need to be aware of.
When You're Entitled to a Refund:
- Flight Cancellations: If your flight is canceled and the airline doesn't rebook you on a suitable alternative, you are automatically entitled to a full refund, regardless of the reason for the cancellation.
- Significant Delays: Domestic flights delayed by 3+ hours and international flights delayed by 6+ hours automatically qualify for a full refund, provided you don't accept rebooking or alternative compensation.
- "Significant Changes": A "significant change" to your flight can also trigger a refund. This includes:
- Changes to the departure or arrival airport
- Increase in the number of connections
- Downgrades in seating class
- Changes that make the flight less accessible for passengers with disabilities
- Delayed Baggage: If your checked bag is delayed by more than 12 hours on a domestic flight or 15-30 hours on an international flight, you're entitled to a refund of your baggage fees.
- Unprovided Extra Services: If you pay for extras like Wi-Fi or seat selection and they aren't provided, you can also claim a refund.
Support the show
Contact RAnks’s Podcast
- Email us at [email protected]
Thank you for tuning in!
Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following, sharing, and leaving a review—it helps more listeners find us. A special shoutout to everyone who keeps this journey going, including our amazing guests and, of course, *you*, the listener. Stay curious, stay kind, and we’ll catch you next time!