Could You Get PAID for Your Canceled Flights? Airline Changes Might Be Coming Soon.

The airline industry has been a bit… chaotic lately, to say the least.

Have your flights been canceled?

Spring break brought long lines at security, not to mention flight delays and ultimately, cancelations too. And who could forget the nightmare that was the holiday travel season in 2022? We sure won’t. But, with more and more folks growing tired of travel woes, the Biden administration is looking to do something about it.

Air travel hasn’t been easy lately, but President Biden is hoping to change that — or at least soften the blow. According to the Washington Post, the Biden administration announced it wants passengers to be compensated for disruptions in travel — and the airlines should be the ones to do it.

Orlando International Airport

The United States Department of Transportation will launch an effort for new rules that would require airlines to compensate passengers for cancelations or significant delays that are under the airlines’ control. Airlines would have to rebook passengers, provide food or meal vouchers, pay for hotel accommodations, and travel to and from the airport.

President Biden said, “We know how frustrating delays, cancelations, and rebookings are for travelers. Last holiday season, travelers were stranded for days and had to scramble to find other ways to reach their destinations … And while flight delays and cancellations have come down since then, there’s still a problem. American air travelers deserve
better.”

Orlando International Airport

This would be a big change in how the Transportation Department regulates the airline industry, with similar protections that are available to European and Canadian travelers. As of now, only ticket refunds are required in the US.

“Airlines need to accept their fundamental responsibility to better serve passengers when they don’t,” commented Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “We are here to enforce passenger rights and hold airlines accountable.”

LaGuardia Airport

Others aren’t so sure, including Republican Senator Ted Cruz (Tex.), who is on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. A representative for the committee said, “Instead of addressing the many pressing challenges facing our aviation system, the Biden administration is making obvious that their goal is to re-regulate every single facet of passenger air travel.”

LaGuardia Airport

One study conducted by the Transportation Department indicated that rules like those in Europe can contribute to a reduction in delays, but other analysts say there is still potential for “significant disruptions” even under a system like this. One problem could be due to the air traffic controller shortage the Federal Aviation Administration has warned about.

Alaska Airlines

We’ll be on the lookout for updates about any potential policy changes, but chances are we’re a long way away from seeing any significant changes. In the meantime, stay tuned to DFB for the latest travel tips and more!