U.S.: airlines must offer cash refunds for delayed or cancelled flights

30-04-24

In a new regulation established by the U.S. Department of Transportation, airlines are now required to issue automatic cash refunds for canceled or significantly delayed flights. These rules, which went into effect on April 24, also require airlines to improve transparency in reporting additional fees, such as baggage and reservation cancellation fees.

Under the new guidelines, a delay is considered significant if a domestic flight is delayed by three hours or more, and six hours for international flights. In addition, airlines will be required to refund checked baggage fees if delivery is delayed more than 12 hours for domestic flights and between 15 to 30 hours for international flights. Fees for services not provided, such as seat selection or internet connection, will also be refunded.