The Biden administration wants airlines to pay travelers for delays and cancellations

On Monday, the Biden administration unveiled ideas for new regulations that would require airlines to offer compensation and reimburse delayed passengers’ costs for lodging and meals when they are at fault for the disruption of their travel arrangements.

“I know how frustrated many of you are with the service you get from your U.S. airlines,” President Joe Biden said in remarks from the White House detailing the plans of his administration. “That’s why our top priority has been to get American air travelers a better deal.”

According to CBS News, he announced that his administration will put forth a significant legislation later this year that will require all U.S. airlines to reimburse passengers for “meals, hotels, taxis, rideshares, rebooking fees, and cash, miles, and, or travel vouchers whenever they’re the ones responsible for the cancellation or delay.” In addition, airlines will be required to refund passengers for the price of their ticket.

In order to give passengers more information about airline compensation practices, the administration additionally developed an online dashboard, according to President Biden.

“These actions are in addition to other progress we’re making to lower costs for American families, holding corporations accountable and growing our economy from the bottom up in the middle out, not just the top down,” he added.

Biden was joined by Pete Buttigieg, the secretary of transportation, who noted that the administration has already witnessed advancements in each month so far this year. He claimed that early data indicates that 2% or less of flights are canceled. Nevertheless, NBC points out that Buttigieg warned that the summer travel season will “put enormous pressure on the system.”

When an airline-related incident results in a severe delay or cancellation, airlines generally fail to offer financial compensation. Airlines frequently provide frequent flyer miles, travel credits, or vouchers to passengers who encounter delays or cancellations brought on by events under the airline’s control, such as an operational issue. The Transportation Department stated in a release that it intends to define “controllable cancellation and delay” in this rulemaking in order to ensure that passengers are adequately safeguarded against financial damages.

The department added that it is hopeful that the suggested regulations could improve airline reliability.

NBC also notes that following the cancellation of thousands of Southwest Airlines flights in late December, an investigation aimed at the airline was initiated. According to the department, it is looking into whether company management overcrowded the number of flights they were planning to take, “which under federal law is considered an unfair and deceptive practice.” According to the carrier, it is assisting with all queries.

Evie Blanco is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience who was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Queens, New York. She is extremely well-versed in hip-hop music and culture and is always aware of any developments within it. Whether it’s the latest in pop culture, a fascinating foreign destination, a truly amazing new restaurant, or breaking news, she loves to write about it all.

This story was originally published May 9, 2023 at 3:45 PM with the headline "The Biden administration wants airlines to pay travelers for delays and cancellations."