US lawmakers revise bill to ensure quick airline refunds

U.S. House and Senate negotiators agreed late Tuesday to revise language in an aviation reform bill to ensure quick refunds for airline passengers whose flights are canceled and who are not seeking alternative flights. On April 24, the U.S. Transportation Department finalized new rules that later this year will require automatic cash refunds for canceled flights when passengers choose not to take a new flight. A bipartisan proposal in Congress released last week that said passengers must request the refunds had raised concerns the law could undercut a rule that would ensure people who bought non-refundable tickets got reimbursed for canceled flights. But under revised language first reported by Reuters and made public Tuesday, refunds would be automatic in many instances. Automatic refunds would not apply if passengers rebooked and accepted a new flight. Senators hope the revised bill will win approval before a Friday deadline to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration for five years. Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell, a Democrat who led the talks on the revised language, said, "Statutory rights to refunds are a big win for consumers in this bill. Passengers can reject vouchers or alternative flights, and without hassle, get a refund."<br/>