Quantcast

DOT reminds airlines about obligations on passenger refunds

Alaska Airlines flight attendants reject new contract, union says there's 'more work to do'
Elliott Investment To Push For 10 New Boardroom Directors At Southwest Airlines
Alaska Air Backs JetZero Blended-Wing Design
AI in Aviation Line Maintenance: A Strategic Response to Delays, Satisfaction, and Staffing Challenges
Air taxi service plans for 2026 Los Angeles launch at USC, SoFi and LAX
VistaJet Flight Brings Home Americans in Prisoner Swap
Air Canada Blames Paris Olympics On Decreased Profits
Delta passengers sue airline over refund refusals after CrowdStrike meltdown
Microsoft fires back at Delta after massive outage, says airline declined ‘repeated’ offers for help
Korean Air Confirms A Spacious Lounge Is Coming To The New Terminal One at New York JFK
VAS Aero Services to Acquire an Additional 17 Airbus A320 Airframes, Bringing to 23 the Total Number of A320s Slated for Teardown and Harvested Parts Redistribution
Delta CEO says CrowdStrike-Microsoft outage cost the airline $500 million
Boeing Reports $16.9 Billion In Revenue For 2nd Quarter With 5,400 Commercial Aircraft Backlog
United Airlines says flight attendant in Terrell Davis incident is no longer employed and NFL legend’s ‘no fly’ ban is lifted | CNN
Nepal Plane Crash Kills 18 After Takeoff - Airline Ratings
Southwest Airlines is getting rid of open seating | CNN Business
CrowdStrike Outage Caused 10% Spike in Air Charter
Aircraft Engine Maintenance and Repair to Peak in 2026, Worsening Capacity Shortage for Commercial Aviation, Says Bain & Company
Joby’s Electric Air Taxi Makes European Debut
The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation announces NLRB-scheduled vote to remove union officials
Families recount the horror of MH17 ten years on - Airline Ratings
777-9 Enters Certification Flight Testing - AVweb
Kompass Kapital Sets New Course with Airshare Investment
SATS, SIA Engineering Company and Changi Airport Group to Trial Autonomous Buses at Changi Airport
Qatar Airways Landing An A350 In Hamburg Makes A Powerful Statement - Airline Ratings
EBAA Backs Dassault's Sustainability Lawsuit against European Commission | AIN
American Airlines Now Lets You Earn And Spend Miles On Concerts And Events
Boeing agrees to plead guilty to defrauding the FAA but escapes punishment sought by victims’ families | CNN Business
IATA partners with Aviation Sustainability Forum to tackle cabin waste
Qatar Airways In Talks To Buy 20% Of Virgin Australia - Airline Ratings
DOT reminds airlines about obligations on passenger refunds
Policy
Webp 6titncb125j5v79amc9x56vg30x2
AVWeb | AVWeb

Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Pete Buttigieg, sent a letter yesterday to the heads of the 10 largest airlines in the country, reminding them of their obligations to provide cash refunds to passengers. The letter followed a court ruling that temporarily relieved airlines from a DOT mandate requiring clarification on ticket surcharges for baggage and schedule changes—referred to as “junk fees” by the Biden administration.

Buttigieg addressed the airlines' legal action: “The airline industry lobby is trying to tie this up with lawsuits, but we will not back down from protecting passengers. Airlines are simply wrong to argue that merely having to disclose their fees would ‘irreparably harm’ them. It’s common sense,” he said.

On the issue of refunds, Buttigieg wrote: “As we emerge from the air travel disruptions caused by the global technology outage earlier this month and the busy summer travel season continues, I want to ensure there is clarity and a shared understanding when it comes to the rights of air travelers and the obligations of U.S. and foreign airlines. The operational challenges of this month have served as a reminder of the importance of passenger protections—which now include a legal requirement to clearly and proactively inform customers about their right to a refund and provide prompt cash refunds when consumers do not opt to accept travel alternatives following a cancellation or major delay.”

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

A DOT press release summarized expectations that airlines “clearly and proactively” inform passengers of their right to a refund when a flight is canceled or significantly changed. Additionally, cash refunds must be dispensed automatically rather than vouchers or credits. Airlines are required to facilitate rebooking at no charge and provide meals, hotel accommodations, and/or transportation during “controllable disruptions.” If passengers choose vouchers or credits instead, these must remain valid for at least five years.

Buttigieg concluded his letter: “[We] are encouraged by the historically high levels of demand for passenger air travel being served by airlines in America today. A thriving U.S. commercial aviation sector is good for all Americans, and all of our regulatory and enforcement activities are designed to ensure that this sector thrives on the basis of excellent safety, fair and vigorous competition, and strong customer service.”

Organizations Included in this History
More News

London Heathrow, recognized as Europe's busiest airport, will soon experience an increase in its flight offerings by Oman Air.

Sep 2, 2025

Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport will commence safety and airfield improvement projects on Runway 12R-30L in two distinct phases throughout 2025.

Aug 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

EVA Air has announced a promotional offer for its Infinity MileageLands members, providing up to 40% bonus miles for those who purchase or top up miles between April 15 and April 30, 2025.

Apr 17, 2025

Flying Food Group has announced its ongoing commitment to community support and development through various initiatives aimed at empowering children and families in East Granby, Connecticut.

Apr 17, 2025

Flying Food Group recently participated in the WTCE Conference in Hamburg, Germany, from April 8th to 10th, 2025.

Apr 17, 2025