WE Chairperson Joe Biden and the US Department of Transportation are looking to write new rules to require airlines to pay passengers cash for the lengthy delays and cancellations they experience and the airlines themselves responsible, according to Reuters.
“Our top priority is to give American air travelers a better deal,” Biden said Monday.
The Biden administration has made multiple bids targeting airlines and better serving consumer protections for domestic US flights. These protections would extend to international flights involving a US airline origin or destination.
RELATED: Airlines across the country cancel thousands of flights amid summer travel season
NEWS: President Biden’s approval rating today is 51% according to a new poll from Trump’s preferred polling company, Rasmussen.
51% agree
48% disagreeWho thinks the media should give positive polls like this and as much attention as they do… pic.twitter.com/Wwb0hhjgTS
– Jon Cooper (@joncoopertweets) May 8, 2023
The deferral rules are expected to be proposed by the end of 2023. However, it could take years to finalize those rules.
Also on Monday, US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg added that “the upcoming summer travel will put a lot of pressure on the system.”
“Airlines need to accept their fundamental responsibility to better serve passengers,” Buttigieg said.
Airlines mock Biden’s compensation plan, no specific amount
Although the official amount was not specified, the US Department of Transportation asked airlines last year whether they pay a minimum of $100 for delays of at least three hours due to the carriers themselves. caused or not, according to the source.
Meanwhile, some airlines are scoffing at the idea of currency exchange for delays.
We’re launching a new website to highlight which airlines are currently offering cash compensation, travel credits or vouchers, or frequent flyer miles and cover expenses for other amenities. Real competition means knowing what you’re getting.https://t.co/yasRA97ZPo
– White House (@WhiteHouse) May 8, 2023
There is no legal requirement for carriers to compensate US passengers for canceled or delayed flights, but the European Union and other countries are demanding amounts up to 600 euros, equivalent to equivalent to $663, for extended flight delays. Reuters report.
JetBlue Airways’ updated dashboard shows frequent flyer miles, travel credits, or voucher offers when a cancellation or delay is within the airline’s control causing passengers to have to wait three hours or more.
Alaska Airlines also offers travel credits or vouchers, but no airline guarantees cash compensation as suggested by Biden and Buttigieg.
Biden’s approval rating hit 51% in a poll released by Rasmussen Reports on Monday.
