New Airline Refund Rule Mandates Automatic Refunds for Canceled and Delayed Flights

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has introduced a new rule requiring airlines to automatically refund passengers for canceled flights or significant delays, marking a major shift in passenger rights. This new regulation, effective immediately, mandates that airlines must issue cash refunds promptly, without the need for customers to request them, in cases of extensive delays or cancellations.

Under the DOT’s updated guidelines, domestic flights delayed by three hours or more and international flights delayed by six hours or more now qualify for a full refund. Additionally, airlines. . .