DOT Launches Rulemaking to Protect Passengers Stranded by Airline Disruptions

 

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today launched a rulemaking to protect passengers stranded by airlines canceling or significantly changing their flights. The Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) seeks public comment on requiring airlines to pay passengers cash compensation, rebook them for free on the next available flight, and cover meals, overnight lodging, and related transportation expenses when a disruption is airline-caused, such as a mechanical issue or an IT airline system breakdown.

“Americans know the importance of a robust airline industry, which is why this country—and U.S. taxpayers — kept U.S. airlines afloat when the COVID pandemic threatened their very existence,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Now that we are on the other side of the pandemic and air travel is breaking records, we must continue to advance passenger protections. This action we’re announcing is another step forward into a better era for commercial air travel—where the flying public is better protected and passengers aren’t expected to bear the cost of disruptions caused by airlines.”

Cancellations and lengthy flight delays can pose significant hardship, stress, and financial cost to travelers. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that flight cancellations from July 2021 through April 2022 potentially affected over 15 million passengers and flight delays potentially affected over 116 million passengers. According to data from U.S. airlines submitted to DOT, in both 2022 and 2023, over 60% of three-hour or longer domestic flight delays were airline-caused.

Canada, Brazil, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and other countries have adopted consumer protections that compensate passengers and provide services when an airline causes a significant delay. One study

Tags:Pete Buttigieg, U.S. DOT