Skift Take
Skift has learned that any significant delay or cancellation, regardless of the reason, qualifies for an automatic refund as part of the Department of Transportation’s new consumer protection rules for the airline industry.
After the Biden administration announced it would crack down on junk fees and require automatic refunds, it was unclear how the rules would be enforced and applied to the airline industry.
What penalties would airlines face for not complying with the rules? Who takes the blame when a flight is significantly canceled or delayed?
One of the rules would require airlines to provide passengers with automatic refunds if a flight is significantly delayed or canceled (at least three hours for domestic, six for international). Customers are also eligible for automatic refunds if their checked baggage is delayed or if ancillary services that were paid for are not provided.
Who Gets a Refund?Any lengthy delay or cancellation is eligible for