Transportation Department proposes stricter rules for airline refunds after complaints surge

The Transportation Department on Wednesday proposed stricter rules on when airlines would have to compensate passengers for canceled or delayed flights, a move that follows a surge in traveler complaints after Covid-19 roiled air travel. Air travelers are currently entitled to a refund if their flights are canceled or “significantly” changed or delayed and they choose not to travel. But the agency had not defined what constitutes a significant change. The Transportation Department is now proposing to define that as a departure or arrival time that’s off by at least three hours for domestic flights, or at least six hours for international flights. Travelers would also be entitled to a refund if the routing changes or if a connection is added, as well as if a change in aircraft causes a “significant downgrade” in amenities or other features. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has publicly admonished airlines in recent weeks over an uptick in flight cancellations and delays, while industry executives and the FAA have pointed fingers over who’s to blame. Some Democratic lawmakers have called for better consumer protections for air travelers. Complaints about airline refunds accounted for 87% of the 102,560 complaints the DOT logged in 2020 and about 60% of the 49,958 complaints in 2021. The DOT also proposed requiring airlines to give flight credits or vouchers without expiration dates if passengers can’t fly because of Covid-19, including lockdowns, travel restrictions or personal health reasons.<br/>