New rules surrounding refunds, baggage fees coming soon for air travelers

(InvestigateTV) — New federal law and Department of Transportation rules now require no-hassle refunds, up-front baggage fee disclosures, 24-7 customer service and a ban on family seating fees.

Bill McGee, a senior fellow for aviation at American Economic Liberties Project and the author of the book ‘Attention all Passengers,’ said those new rules surrounding refunds kick in on October 28 2024, just in time for the holiday travel season.

“Should be here by the Thanksgiving holiday period,” McGee stated. “And in that case, a significant delay for the first time has been defined by the Department of Transportation as 3 hours for a domestic flight and 6 hours for an international flight.”

McGee said cancellations are a little clearer. According to the Department of Transportation rules, if your flight is canceled for any reason, controllable or not controllable by the airline, for weather or any factor, and you do not want to continue with the trip you are entitled to a cash refund.

“If you want a voucher, you want to ask for one, that’s fine. But the default will be your flight was canceled, you’re not going to have to jump through hoops. You’re not going to have to contact the airline. I’m not going to stay in a long line and make reservations. You’re not going to have to write emails,” he explained. “Then, if your flight is canceled, that will automatically give you cash, or they will be subject to penalties if not.”

When it comes to baggage fees, if a checked bag arrives 12 hours or more late for a domestic flight, consumers are due a refund.

For international flights, if baggage arrives 15 to 30 hours late depending on the length of the flight, a refund will be given.

Starting in 2025, new rules will prohibit all airlines from charging families extra to guarantee that a child 13 or younger will sit next to a parent or adult travel partner.

Some airlines are already guaranteeing free family seating.

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