This was one of the flagship measures of the Biden administration towards travellers. The aim of this measure was to oblige airlines to compensate passengers for delays or cancellations caused by carriers. " When a company causes a cancellation or delay, passengers should not have to foot the bill "explained at the time Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of State for Transport.
Introduced in 2023, the federal regulations provided for a compensation of between $200 and $775. It also included cover for meals, accommodation and re-routing when the airline was responsible for a flight disruption (technical breakdown, computer problem, etc.). However, no precise timetable for its entry into force had been put forward.
While consumers were delighted with the proposal, the airlines were not. They criticised the extra cost and, of course, the likely increase in ticket prices.
Farewell to Biden's passenger protection plans
The White House made it official this week that the project would be abandoned.. A regulatory notice from the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs states that this decision follows the administration's commitments Trump. Its abolition by a very pro-business administration is a slap in the face for consumers.
The Department for Transport has specified that protection for passengers will be limited to what is strictly required by law. " Some of the rules proposed or adopted by the previous administration went beyond what Congress required. We intend to re-examine them. "said a spokesman.
For its part, the Airlines for America is delighted. In a press release, A4A states salute " the willingness of the Department for Transport to abandon unnecessary and burdensome regulations, that exceed his authority and do not really address our customers' concerns" .
