The Biden administration issued final rules last week to require airlines to automatically issue cash refunds for things such as delayed flights and to better disclose fees for baggage or canceling a reservation. The Transportation Department said airlines will be required to provide automatic cash refunds within a few days for canceled flights and “significant” delays. Under current regulations, airlines decide how long a delay must last before triggering refunds.
A spokesperson for the group said airlines “offer a range of options — including fully refundable fares — to increase accessibility to air travel and to help customers make ticket selections that best fit their needs.” The group said the 11 largest U.S. airlines issued $43 billion in customer refunds from 2020 through 2023.