Australia Proposes Airline Passenger Charter to Strengthen Traveler Rights

The draft charter outlines new protections for passengers facing delays, cancellations, or lost luggage, with public consultation open until February 2025.

• The proposed Aviation Customer Rights Charter would require airlines to provide full refunds for cancellations and delays exceeding three hours caused by airline-related issues.
• Passengers would receive assistance rebooking flights, reimbursement for meals and accommodations, and free return of lost luggage under the new guidelines.
• The charter mandates airlines to acknowledge customer complaints within 24 hours and resolve them within 30 days, addressing longstanding delays in complaint handling.
• An interim Aviation Industry Ombudsman will oversee compliance and address complaints until formal legislation is introduced in 2025, with penalties for non-compliance expected.
• Critics argue the charter lacks cash compensation for delays, a feature present in EU regulations, and accuse the government of delaying action until after the next election.

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Australian Broadcasting Corporation 9News The Guardian The Sydney Morning Herald