United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
US proposes airline cash payouts for flight disruption
The U.S. Department of Transportation has proposed cash payouts for passengers disrupted during long delays and fight cancelations.
To would require airlines to compensate passengers at least $200.
It comes after rules came into force requiring airlines to give customers an automatic refund without delay when their flight is canceled or ‘significantly delayed and if their checked bag is lost or delayed.
The DOT proposed cash compensation for delays of three hours or more, and would require airlines to rebook passengers ‘for free on the next available flight, cover meals, overnight lodging, and related expenses.’
This would occur for disruptions that were avoidable by the airline.
“Now that we are on the other side of the pandemic and air travel is breaking records, we must continue to advance passenger protections,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.
“This action we’re announcing is another step forward where the flying public is better protected and passengers aren’t expected to bear the cost of disruptions caused by airlines.”
Compensation would depend on the actual length of delay.
It would pay $200 to $300 for domestic delays of at least three hours, $375 to $525 for delays of at least six hours and $750 to $775 for delays of at least nine hours.
However, this move is unlikely to get passed.
There is a 60-day comment period on the proposal although before it ends a new President will be in the White House.
Airlines will feel confident this won’t be taken forward with the new administration.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Report: Cruise guest died after ship lashed in heavy storm
British teen in serious condition after paraglider collision
JetBlue scraps London Gatwick flights