Great news for the frequent flyer!
The Department of Transportation has expanded Airline Passenger Protections effective January 24th. It is about time that passengers have more rights. Until now, airlines have been able to get away with way too much. I'm glad to see that something is being done about it.
Here are some of the expanded passenger protections:
1- If your baggage is lost, the airline must reimburse the passenger for baggage fees.
2- There is an increase on the amount airlines must pay for involuntary bumps. For a 1-2 hour domestic delay and 1-4 hour international delay they have doubled the amount the airlines must pay, to a maximum of $800. For longer delays the amount has increased up to 4 times, to a maximum of $1,300.
3- They have limited the amount of time an airplane is permitted to wait on the tarmac and the things they must provide for passengers during the waiting period.
4- Passengers must be allowed to make a reservation and/or cancel a reservation for 24 hours without having to pay a fee as long as the flight is at least 1 week prior to the time of the reservation.
5- Airlines must disclose baggage fees at the time of booking the flight and on e-ticket confirmations.
6- Baggage allowances and fees must be for the passengers entire journey.
7- Airlines are required to promptly notify passengers of delays, cancellations and diversions that are greater than 30 minutes.
4- Advertised airfares must clearly be displayed and include taxes and fees. I have noticed this one on different airlines websites. This is a great change and will make passenger's lives much easier!
The Department of Transportation has expanded Airline Passenger Protections effective January 24th. It is about time that passengers have more rights. Until now, airlines have been able to get away with way too much. I'm glad to see that something is being done about it.
Here are some of the expanded passenger protections:
1- If your baggage is lost, the airline must reimburse the passenger for baggage fees.
2- There is an increase on the amount airlines must pay for involuntary bumps. For a 1-2 hour domestic delay and 1-4 hour international delay they have doubled the amount the airlines must pay, to a maximum of $800. For longer delays the amount has increased up to 4 times, to a maximum of $1,300.
3- They have limited the amount of time an airplane is permitted to wait on the tarmac and the things they must provide for passengers during the waiting period.
4- Passengers must be allowed to make a reservation and/or cancel a reservation for 24 hours without having to pay a fee as long as the flight is at least 1 week prior to the time of the reservation.
5- Airlines must disclose baggage fees at the time of booking the flight and on e-ticket confirmations.
6- Baggage allowances and fees must be for the passengers entire journey.
7- Airlines are required to promptly notify passengers of delays, cancellations and diversions that are greater than 30 minutes.
4- Advertised airfares must clearly be displayed and include taxes and fees. I have noticed this one on different airlines websites. This is a great change and will make passenger's lives much easier!
