Chances are you’ve heard about the complications within the airline industry, or maybe you’ve even experienced one or two yourself!
Orlando International Airport
Not only have staffing shortages caused airlines to reduce their schedules already, but mass delays and cancelations have also been occurring pretty much daily. The U.S. Department of Transportation had proposed new rules calling for airlines to provide cash refunds to stranded passengers, and now it looks like we’ve got an update on that proposal.
According to NBC News, the Department of Transportation has told airlines that they are required to come up with “their own improvements for customer service” or the federal agency will move forward with its proposed rule change.
Time to fly — hopefully!
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg had previously reprimanded airlines for the increase in flight delays and cancelations and proposed a new rule that would benefit travelers.
Have you flown recently?
At the moment, airlines are required to refund customers if flights are canceled, “significantly” changed, or “significantly” delayed — but there are no clear rules on what a significant delay is.
The proposed rule states states that a flight’s delay is “significant” if the time is off by at least 3 hours for domestic flights or at least 6 hours for international flights.
Flying isn’t getting easier.
Now, Buttigieg has said that airlines have to “make it easier for passengers to understand their rights. And you’ve got to support passengers when they experience delays or cancelations.” The DOT has also shared that they are creating a website that will show each airline’s delay and cancelation policies. It will hopefully be rolled out in two weeks.
Minnie and Mickey are ready to take you away
Airlines have blamed staffing issues and rising fuel costs for many of these issues, but the DOT says airlines are to blame for overscheduling flights and not being clear enough with passengers when things go awry. We’ll continue to keep an eye out for news on the proposed new rule or any updates to major airline policies, so stay tuned!
Orlando International Airport
Looking for more travel news? Find out which airline is cutting thousands of flights this fall here. If you need to book an upcoming trip, click here to see the least reliable airlines. We’ve also got a list of the airlines most likely to bump you from your flight — check it out here.
These Are the Airlines with the MOST Customer Complaints
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What do you think of this proposed rule change? Let us know in the comments!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
Buttegieg needs to take a
Slow boat to China. He is awful and knows nothing about transportation 😡
I was able to get a full refund from Southwest when my flight got cancelled and rebooked for 2 days later. That is great… but I do not feel it was adequate compensation. We planned this trip for almost a year. We were 2 hours into the 4 hour drive to one of the closest SW hubs to us Boston when we got the news. We were scheduled to leave Boston at 3:30 PM and arrive around 8 in MCO, but we got rebooked Afro Monday at 6 Pm with a stop added do we would arrive in MCO at 11 PM. We got to the airport and asked if there was anything available to get us there sooner. We were told no, so our family of 5 had to decide what to do. We were supposed to spend a day and 2 nights in Orlando doing Father’s Day at Disney with three meal reservations(Boma for breakfast, Steakhouse 71 for lunch, and Planet Hollywood for dinner) then drive up to my sister’s in Gainesville and continue our trip to Atlanta for a couple nights then a week in Tennessee. If we flew out Monday, we would have to drive from MCO to Atlanta through the night, so we decided to drive to Atlanta. Even with not leaving until 1 Pm, we were able to get to Atlanta by Sunday at 7 PM more than 24 hours ahead of our “flight”. After our trip I contacted SW and explained that we had to cancel a day’s worth of plans(Father’s day no less), cancel hotel reservations, put 3000 plus miles on our car, pay an extra $350 in gas(thankfully we have a hybrid), and we had to forfeit $150 for cancelling our rental car within 24 hours. They sent back offering $150. I responded that $150 was not adequate for the amount of inconvenience we experienced through no fault of our own. I suggested $150 for each of the 5 of us. $750 total. I said $150 for me would cover the car rental fee. $150 for my wife and oldest son would almost cover the gas costs. That leaves $300, $150 for each of our two youngest to compensate for all the rigmarole that we had to go through. Instead, they refunded us the $1700. Maybe people will say I am asking for too much or something for nothing, but travel plans involve a lot of arranging of things beyond just the flight and when taking time of work and such, a 2 day reschedule is quite a traumatic change.
It’s very frustrating as there should be a full refund any time a flight has to be canceled and no added charges when a flight has to be moved. It’s not like returning a garment when people purchase a flight they intend on keeping it! And if it has to be canceled there is a good reason!