New Rule: Airlines must Automatically Refund Travelers for Flight Changes

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced that airlines must now “promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds” when:

• A flight is significantly changed or canceled.
• Checked bags are delayed.
• Extra services purchased by passengers aren't provided.

Previously, airlines were authorized to set their own standards for which flight changes warranted a refund, resulting in differing policies per airline. With the new rule, airlines must automatically issue necessary refunds in cash or the original payment method without passengers “having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.” 

Click here for more information about specific refunds travelers are entitled to.