Skift Take
The Senate is slated to vote Wednesday afternoon on a massive FAA reauthorization bill that contains provisions on everything from refunds to near collisions on the runway.
After months of short-term funding to keep the Federal Aviation Administration afloat, Congress just unveiled a new reauthorization bill that covers everything from pilot training to family seating.
The new reauthorization bill, which the Senate is set to vote to move forward with on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET, also addresses the air-traffic controller shortage and technology initiatives to reduce the chance of near collisions on runways.
The bill also authorizes over $105 billion in appropriations for the FAA from the fiscal years of 2024 through 2028.
Here are some key takeaways from the 1,069-page bill:
Refunds and Airline CreditsThe new reauthorization bill codifies refunds and airline credits into law, particularly when an airline significantly cancels or delays a flight.
The bill also mandates that passengers receive refunds either within seven days if a flight was booked with a credit card, or within 20 if a different form of payment was used.
Refunds are required if a domestic flight was delayed by at least three hours or if an international flight is delayed by at least six. Ai