New measures seek to protect passengers with compensation, free rebooking, and expense coverage for airline-caused disruptions.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has initiated a rulemaking process to protect airline passengers affected by cancellations or significant delays caused by airlines. The proposal seeks public input on requiring airlines to compensate passengers with cash, free rebooking, and expense coverages for meals and lodging.
Secretary Pete Buttigieg explained that airlines, which received $54 billion in taxpayer bailouts during the pandemic, must now guarantee passengers are not left to bear the costs of disruptions. Data shows over 60 percent of lengthy flight delays in 2022 and 2023 were within airlines’ control—affecting millions of travelers.
“Now that we are on the other side of the pandemic and air travel is breaking records, we must continue to advance passenger protections. This action we’re announcing is another step forward into a better era for commercial air travel—where the flying public is better protected and passengers aren’t expected to bear the cost of disruptions caused by airlines,” said Secretary Buttigieg.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Buttigieg and Transportation Department officials to be discerning in their attempts to protect air travelers.
- For Administrator Whitaker as he oversees improvements and upgrades in the FAA.
Sources: Department of Transportation
