Biden seeks compensation for passengers for flight delays and cancellations

The Biden administration announced on Monday that it would seek to require airlines to compensate passengers for lengthy flight delays and cancellations that are within their control. The administration said it would start the process of establishing a new rule to require airlines to provide cash payments rather than merely refunds for significant travel disruptions. No major U.S. airline currently guarantees cash compensation for delays or cancellations, according to the Transportation Department. “I know how frustrated many of you are with the service you get from your US airlines,” President Biden said at the White House, where he appeared with Pete Buttigieg, the transportation secretary, to announce the proposal. “You deserve to be fully compensated,” Biden added. “Your time matters. The impact on your life matters.” The administration did not provide specifics about the proposal, such as how much airlines would be required to pay travelers. Biden said his administration would propose the rule “later this year.” The federal rule-making process can be lengthy, so the proposal is not likely to take effect any time soon. The new proposal adds to Buttigieg’s efforts to push the airline industry to improve the customer experience. During his tenure, the Transportation Department has imposed millions of dollars in fines on airlines for a number of violations, including for issues related to customer refunds, though some critics have pushed for him to take a harder line with the industry.<br/>