Transportation Department Reveals New Federal Rules For Airlines

The rules say travelers deserve cash refunds when inconvenienced by their airline, not vouchers or travel credits.

The Transportation Department announced new rules for airlines Tuesday.

The rules say travelers deserve cash refunds when inconvenienced by their airline, not vouchers or travel credits.

The rule would formalize a requirement that passengers receive refunds if a domestic flight is delayed for over three hours. Refunds would also be issued if an international flight is delayed by over six hours. It also requires cash refunds if a flight is cancelled.

The rules require the fees to be returned within seven days for a credit card and 20 days for other forms of payment.

In addition, the new rules also require airlines to provide upfront information about fees for baggage and changing flights. It would also require a refund of any baggage fees for bags that arrive more than 12 hours late, and a refund of the fee for a purchased service like Wi-Fi or upgraded seating if the airline doesn’t deliver.