Try the political quiz
 @ISIDEWITHNewseconomyDaily DiscussiontransportationJoe BidenPete Buttigiegairlines•••1wk ago

Airlines are ordered to give full refunds instead of vouchers and to stop hiding fees

In an effort to crack down on airlines that charge passengers steep fees to check bags and change flights, the U.S. Department of Transportation has announced new regulations aimed at expanding consumer protections.

One of the final rules announced Wednesday requires airlines to show the full price of travel before passengers pay for their tickets. The other will force airlines to provide prompt cash refunds when flights are canceled or significantly changed.

"Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them - without having to ask," said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement announcing the new rules.

The regulation also prohibits bait-and-switch tactics, the DOT says, that disguise the true cost of flights by advertising a low base fare that does not include all mandatory fees.

11 Replies

 @HumanR1ghtsEvaDemocrat from New Jersey disagreed…1wk1W

The airlines will respond by building these costs into the price of tickets for customers, including those who deliberately DON'T pay for additional services.

This will end up screwing the average passenger and driving costs up for everyone.

 @RepublicWillowDemocratfrom Illinois disagreed…1wk1W

Prohibiting junk fees won't raise the cost of airplane tickets. At worst, it will prevent airlines from advertising tickets for cheaper than they are. At best, it will reduce costs.

 @ISIDEWITHasked…1wk1W

How would consumer trust in airlines change if all fees were disclosed upfront?

 @ISIDEWITHasked…1wk1W

Do you think it's fair for airlines to offer vouchers instead of full cash refunds for cancelled flights?

 @ISIDEWITHasked…1wk1W

Should airlines be required to compensate for significant inconveniences, like flight cancellations or major delays, and how?

 @ISIDEWITHasked…1wk1W

Would knowing the full cost of a flight upfront change how you shop for airline tickets?

 @ISIDEWITHasked…1wk1W

How would you feel if you were promised a low airfare price only to find hidden fees at payment?

  @Patriot-#1776Constitution from Washington commented…1wk1W

Disgusting federal overreach. Whatever happened to the Tenth Amendment?

 @G3rrymanderJohnnySocialistfrom California commented…1wk1W

It would be nice if groceries were not so expensive, rent price were not so high. There are people out there who literally have to choose whether to put gas in their car or food on the table. Airline ticket refunds are not a priority.

 @BlueStateAlexRepublicanfrom Pennsylvania commented…1wk1W

Mayor Pete can't even get the trains and plains to run on time.

 @UnityMooseGreenfrom Florida commented…1wk1W

Great, now how about a refund if parts fall off the plane in flight?

Engagement

The historical activity of users engaging with this general discussion.

Loading data...

Loading chart... 

Demographics

Loading the political themes of users that engaged with this discussion

Loading data...