U.S. Considers New Rules to Protect Passengers During Airline Meltdowns

The Department of Transportation announced Thursday that it is proposing a new set of rules to compensate passengers for significant flight delays or cancellations.

The DOT said that passengers face hurdles during such events because airlines currently have no legal obligation to notify passengers when they are entitled to services like accommodations, rebooked flights and refunds that are outlined in their customer service plan. 

The department described airline policies as “generally vague,” adding that passengers have to request such services in-person at the airport, and staff may not know if the airline caused the disruption. Another issue for travelers is that frontline staff at the airport may not have enough vouchers for meals or accommodations. 

“This action we’re announcing is another step forward into a better era for commercial air travel — where the flying public is better protected and passengers aren’t expected to bear the cost of disruptions caused