Airline passenger compensation for disruptions

In light of record-breaking air travel, the U.S. Department of Transportation is seeking public input on these proposed measures, which would align U.S. policies more closely with consumer protections found in Europe and other regions. Current regulations only mandate refunds for canceled flights, leaving passengers without guarantees for delays. The proposed compensation structure includes tiered payments based on the length of the delay, ranging from $200 to $775, depending on the duration and circumstances of the disruption. Additionally, airlines may be required to cover costs for rebooking, meals, and overnight accommodations for stranded travelers. The push for these regulations comes as data indicates a significant portion of delays are airline-caused, underscoring the need for stronger protections for consumers.

Proposed Compensation Structure

• Domestic Delays:
  • $200 to $300 for delays of at least three hours
  • $375 to $525 for delays of at least six hours
  • $750 to $775 for delays of at least nine hours

Context of the Proposal

The initiative is partly a response to findings that over 60% of three-hour or longer domestic flight delays were due to airline actions in recent years. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office reported that millions of passengers were affected by flight cancellations and delays during a specific period. While some airlines have voluntarily committed to certain customer service practices, the lack of binding regulations means these policies can change at the airlines’ discretion. The proposed rules aim to establish a more standardized approach to passenger rights in the event of disruptions, reflecting practices in other countries where similar protections have proven effective in reducing delays and improving service accountability.