How Biden's and the DOT's New Plan Will Make Airlines Pay for Flight Disruptions, delays and cancellations

The proposed rules to require compensation and cover expenses for travelers affected by controllable cancellations and delays

If you have ever experienced a flight cancellation or delay that was within the airline's control, you know how frustrating and expensive it can be. The Biden administration has announced plans to propose new rules that would require airlines to compensate passengers for controllable cancellations and delays and cover their expenses for meals, lodging, and rebooking.

The proposed rules would also define what constitutes a controllable cancellation or delay, and how and when airlines must provide compensation and cover expenses. This would give US consumers protections similar to those in the European Union and Canada.

The proposed rules aim to hold airlines accountable for their service quality and ensure that travelers are treated fairly and respectfully. The new rules are not yet final and will be subject to public comment and review before they become effective. The rules would be a promising step towards improving air travel and passenger rights in the United States, similar to what is already in place in other parts of the world.

The current policies of U.S. airlines and how they compare to other countries

The policies of U.S. airlines regarding flight disruptions and cancellations are often compared to those of other countries. Under the current system, U.S. airlines are not required to compensate passengers for flight disruptions, including delays, cancellations, and overbooking. This is in contrast to some European countries where airlines are required to compensate passengers for flight disruptions under certain circumstances.

The new plan proposed by President Biden aims to change this by requiring U.S. airlines to compensate passengers for flight disruptions, similar to the policies in place in some European countries. The plan would also require airlines to provide clear and transparent information about their policies regarding flight disruptions and cancellations.

Personal experience has shown me the frustration that comes with flight disruptions, particularly when the airline does not offer any compensation or clear information about the situation. I have experienced delays and cancellations on flights with U.S. airlines and felt that the lack of compensation or clear policies added to the stress and inconvenience of the situation.

It's worth noting that some U.S. airlines have already implemented policies regarding compensation for flight disruptions. For example, Delta Air Lines offers compensation for delays over three hours, while United Airlines offers compensation for delays over two hours. However, these policies are not required by law and vary between airlines.

Comparatively, some European countries require airlines to compensate passengers for flight disruptions, with the amount of compensation varying depending on the circumstances of the disruption. For example, under the European Union's regulations, airlines must compensate passengers up to €600 for cancellations or delays of more than three hours, depending on the distance of the flight

The benefits of the new rules for consumers and the challenges for airlines

The new rules proposed by the Biden administration could significantly benefit consumers who experience controllable cancellations and delays. These rules would require airlines to provide financial compensation and cover expenses for affected travelers, reducing their stress and inconvenience. Additionally, the new rules would increase transparency and accountability for airlines, which could lead to improved service quality and customer satisfaction. Finally, the new rules would give consumers more rights and options when dealing with flight disruptions, empowering them to make informed decisions.

However, the new rules could also pose challenges for airlines. They could lead to increased costs and liabilities, which could affect their profitability and competitiveness. Additionally, the new rules could create more complexity and uncertainty for airline operations, affecting their efficiency and reliability. Finally, airlines could face more complaints and disputes from customers, which could harm their reputation and goodwill.

I recall a time when I was flying from New York to Los Angeles for a business trip, and my flight was delayed for four hours due to a mechanical issue with the plane. I had to wait at the airport without any food or drink vouchers, and I missed my first meeting with a potential client. The airline only offered me a travel credit that I never used. I felt like I was treated unfairly and poorly.

If the new rules were in place, I would have received compensation for the delay, and the airline would have covered my food and drink expenses at the airport. That would have made me feel more valued and respected as a customer and less stressed about the situation.

The new rules are not yet final and will be subject to public comment and review before they become effective. However, they are a promising step towards improving air travel and passenger rights in the United States. By providing consumers with more protections and options, the new rules could lead to a better air travel experience for everyone.

The online dashboard to help travelers check their rights and file complaints

If you want to know more about your rights as a traveler and how to file complaints against airlines, the new government website FlightRights.Gov is a valuable resource. This website was launched by the Biden administration to increase transparency and accountability for U.S. airlines and provide consumers with valuable information regarding service quality and customer satisfaction.

On FlightRights.Gov, you can find information about the current and proposed rules for air travel, including ticket price transparency, refunds, compensation, and amenities. You can also compare different airlines in terms of their commitments and performance for controllable cancellations and delays. The website also provides information on which airlines offer cash compensation, travel credits or vouchers, frequent flyer miles, meals, hotels, and rebooking when they cause flight disruptions.

You can also use FlightRights.Gov to file complaints against airlines if they violate your rights or provide poor service. You can submit your complaint online or by mail, phone, or email. The website enables you to track the status of your complaint and see how the Department of Transportation handles it. You can also find resources and tips for resolving your issues with airlines directly.

I remember once when I was flying from Boston to Miami for a vacation, and my flight was delayed for four hours due to a mechanical issue with the plane. I had to wait at the airport without any explanation or apology from the airline. The airline only offered me a travel credit that I never used. I felt like I was treated poorly and unfairly.

If I had known about FlightRights.Gov, I could have checked my rights and filed a complaint against the airline. I would have also seen which airlines offer better service and compensation for controllable cancellations and delays. That would have helped me make better choices for my future travel plans.

FlightRights.Gov is a valuable tool for travelers who want to know their rights and hold airlines accountable for their service quality. It is part of the Biden administration's efforts to improve air travel and passenger rights in the United States. By using FlightRights.Gov, travelers can make informed decisions and advocate for their rights as passengers.

The timeline and process for the rulemaking and public comment

The new rules proposed by the Biden administration are not final yet, but the public will have an opportunity to provide feedback during the rulemaking process. Here's how you can participate:

The Department of Transportation (DOT) will publish a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register, which will describe the proposed rules and invite public comments. Once the NPRM is published, the public will have a set period, usually 60 days, to submit their comments online, by mail, or by hand delivery. During this time, you can share your opinion and relevant experiences, and also read comments from other travelers and consumer groups.

After the DOT receives and analyzes the comments, they will prepare a final rule that responds to the feedback and explains the final decisions and rationales. The final rule will be published in the Federal Register with an effective date for when the rule will take effect. It's important to note that the final rule may also be subject to judicial review or congressional oversight.

If you're interested in the new rules regarding compensation and expenses for controllable cancellations and delays, you can follow the same steps to submit your comment when the NPRM is published. Additionally, you can sign up for email alerts from the DOT to stay updated on the rulemaking process.