A new battle is brewing between the DOT and airlines in the United States. For the first time in American history, the Department of Transportation wants to change the compensation rules. They would oblige airlines to compensate passengers. In addition to covering certain expenses in the event of controllable delays and cancellations.
Admittedly, over the past two years, the main airlines. The ten largest provide a meal and free re-routing on their own flights.. According to the DOT, nine of them also provide accommodation. The Department for Transport provides details of the offsets on a dashboard that can be consulted online at FlightRights.Gov. The site details those that offer cash compensation, travel credits or vouchers, or that award loyalty points.
A dashboard to compare companies' commitments
The draft regulations ministry of transport would make passenger compensation compulsory in addition to the services offered in the event of disruption. Rules that would apply without exception to all airlines! The FlightRights.Gov table shows that few airlines currently offer financial compensation for delays or cancellations.
Commenting on the new rules, the US Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, said: ". Passengers do not have to foot the bill when an airline causes a flight to be cancelled or delayed. For the first time in US history, this regulation proposes to require airlines to compensate passengers. And that they cover expenses such as meals, hotels and re-routing." he added.
Under the new regulations, financial compensation for passengers, as well as ancillary services (meals, accommodation and re-routing), will be made permanent.
In fact, the DOT notes that only an airline can guarantee loyalty points to its passengers. Two airlines also offer travel credits or vouchers in the event of delays or cancellations. However, no airline guarantees cash compensation for a long delay or cancellation. Especially when the airline is responsible!
Tougher rules
If adopted, the Ministry's proposed rule on the reimbursement of airline tickets would introduce the following provisions:
1- Airlines will have to proactively inform passengers of their right to reimbursement when a flight is cancelled or changed.
2- A significant delay and/or cancellation would entitle you to a refund of more than three hours for a domestic flight, and more than six hours for an international flight..
3- Airlines will have to provide travel vouchers or credits with no expiry date when people are unable to travel for health reasons.
4- Airlines receiving state aid will have to reimburse passengers who are unable to fly, rather than just offering travel vouchers or credits.
The DOT believes that this regulation could help improve airline punctuality. However, the battle with the airlines is likely to be tough. The lobbies in Washington are sure to react quickly.
