Today, the Department of Transportation published on its website a final rule regarding airline refunds, requiring (1) automatic (cash) refunds when flights are cancelled or significantly changed and customers do not accept alternatives offered, (2) refunds of checked bag fees for significantly delayed bags, (3) refunds for ancillary services fees (seating, etc.) that are paid for and not provided; and (4) requiring carriers to provide credits or vouchers valid for 5 years where passengers with nonrefundable tickets cannot travel due to a serious communicable disease.
DOT’s press release on the refund rule is available here.
The agency also released a final rule requiring airlines and agents to more clearly disclose fees for ancillary services.
