Disruptions in air travel for US passengers will lead to no monetary reimbursement, affirmed by the government
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced a ruling to abandon the proposed consumer protection scheme for flight disruptions, a decision that aligns with the Trump administration's priorities of cutting back on perceived overreaching or costly programmes and legislation.
The proposed regulations, made in November 2024, would have required US carriers like Delta Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines to offer mandatory compensation for significant delays and cancellations. The intended regulations would have gone beyond the assistance currently provided to passengers, such as refunds, rebookings, vouchers for accommodation, meals, and other expenses for major disruptions.
However, the decision to abandon the regulation regarding compensation for US passengers in the event of flight cancellations or delays has not been explicitly attributed to a specific person or authority, nor has the exact date of this decision been indicated. Discussions and negotiations about changes to passenger rights, including possible reductions or restrictions of compensation entitlements, are ongoing at the EU level as of mid-2025.
The court challenge referred to in the decision to abandon the scheme is not specified in the text. Other consumer protections proposed under Biden, such as rules forcing airlines to declare junk fees and hidden costs before the point of purchase, have been frozen after a court challenge. The DOT is now considering rolling back or repealing these consumer protections.
Spirit Airlines argued that the rule change would create a perverse incentive to cancel flights pre-emptively at any hint of trouble. Aviation sector stakeholders, including Spirit Airlines and Airlines for America, had been critical of the proposed consumer protection scheme.
In contrast, cash compensation for flight disruptions caused by airlines is mandatory in Brazil, Canada, the European Union, and the UK. American travelers will continue to have fewer consumer rights compared to travelers in these countries.
It is worth noting that US carriers currently offer refunds, rebookings, vouchers for accommodation, meals, and other expenses for major disruptions, but passengers must usually take the initiative in asking for this help. The text does not provide information about any alternative consumer protection measures being considered by the Trump administration.
The Trump administration's decision to abandon the proposed regulations means that US passengers will not receive mandatory compensation for flight disruptions. This decision is a significant step back in consumer protection for air travel in the United States.
