New Airline Refund Rules Aim to Protect Holiday Travelers

Biden administration implements automatic cash refunds for canceled or significantly delayed flights ahead of the busy holiday season.

The Department of Transportation's new rules require airlines to issue automatic cash refunds for canceled or significantly delayed flights without passengers needing to request them.
Refunds apply to flights to, from, or within the U.S. and cover changes such as delays over three hours domestically or six hours internationally, airport changes, or added connections.
Passengers are also entitled to refunds for downgraded service, inaccessible planes for those with disabilities, and undelivered services like Wi-Fi or baggage delays beyond specific timeframes.
Refunds must be issued within seven business days for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods, and airlines cannot substitute cash refunds with vouchers unless passengers choose that option.
The new rules aim to simplify refund processes by replacing inconsistent airline policies with a universal standard, ensuring better consumer protections during the peak travel season.