How airline regulations may change next year

While the incoming administration, led by President-elect Donald Trump, with the Republican Party, which will have a majority in Congress, has not yet said much about its plans for the commercial aviation industry, including the FAA, some indications point to an operating environment benefitting businesses. The now-outgoing administration, via the Department of Transportation, led by Pete Buttigieg, the Secretary of Transportation, announced its proposed rules on automatic refunds for canceled and/or delayed flights on December 5. The DOT explained that it has published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking, providing an opportunity for stakeholders, including airlines, to comment on its proposed changes. This includes paying passengers between $200 and $775 for delayed flights between three and more than nine hours and no additional costs when rebooking on the next available flight. According to the Department, the European Union – with the EU261 regulation – and other countries have passenger protections that compensate travelers and provide services when an airline is to blame for a significant delay. The DOT pointed out that one study concluded that the EU’s regulations have reduced the likelihood and duration of delays.<br/>