New refund rules must be followed by airlines | Nation & World News

In a major win for frequent flyers, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced new rules that will require airlines to provide automatic cash refunds for canceled or significantly delayed flights. This new regulation aims to set clear standards on flight delays and cancellations, as well as disclose any fees before tickets are purchased.

Under the new rules, any domestic flights with delays over three hours or international flights with delays over six hours will be required to give refunds by cash or to the original form of payment. This decision comes after years of frustration for passengers who have had to deal with the hassle of getting compensation from airlines.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of passengers getting their money back without any hassle. This new rule will also cover instances of flight disruptions, downgrades to a lower service class, and baggage claim delays.

Local travel agent Jerry Price, who has been booking flights for over 30 years, welcomed the new regulation as a way to protect travelers in the unpredictable world of air travel. He noted that airlines have been notoriously difficult to deal with in the past, making it near impossible for passengers to get the compensation they deserve.

While airlines will still have the option to offer another flight or a travel credit, consumers now have the power to reject these offers and demand a cash refund instead. Airlines will have six months to comply with the new rules, providing a much-needed relief for passengers who have long struggled to get their money back in case of flight disruptions.