The summer travel season is in behind us, and the TSA says all signs point to a record breaker when it comes to flying.
Expectations are that increased travel will continue in the fall and winter.
Meanwhile, some passengers say airport fees are increasingly becoming an issue.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has recently announced some new rules that will protect airline passengers.
“Well, with the economy these days, I feel like the airport fees, they’re unrealistic,” said Inaiya Alexander, travel agent.
In response to this, two new air travel rules have just been finalized by the Department of Transportation and are set to save travelers over half a billion dollars!
First, passengers will receive automatic, full cash refunds if a flight is canceled, delayed or if checked bags are significantly delayed.
And second, ticket agents must be upfront about hidden fees. Those fees could include: baggage, seat selection, in-flight amenities, and reservation changes.
“Honestly, I feel like it has more people, less stressed about traveling because that is a drastic thing that, a lot of people tell us like, ‘oh my goodness, but my airlines, they’re going to be this a million dollars.’ and, I think it will definitely help us a lot and also help the consumers as well,” explained Alexander.
Airlines will have seven business days to make full refunds for credit card purchases.
The DOT is also banning airlines from using bait-and-switch tactics, in which an airline advertises a discounted fare that doesn’t include mandatory fees that drive the ticket price up. These rules will go into effect in the next few months.
