Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.

The US Department of Transportation is now officially enforcing a rule mandating automatic refunds for airline passengers if flights are canceled or significantly delayed, as well as for any unprovided services like Wi-Fi or baggage handling.

In a statement, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said, “Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them—without headaches or haggling. Today, our automatic refund rule goes into full effect. Airlines are required to provide prompt cash refunds without passengers having to ask.”

Breaking down each:
Automatic Refunds for Cancellations and Delays:
The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires US airlines to automatically refund passengers if flights are canceled or delayed significantly, with “significant delay” defined as three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international ones.

Refunds must be issued within seven business days if the passenger used a credit card, or within 20 calendar days if another payment method was used, expediting the process and aiming to prevent prolonged refund delays.

Baggage Fee Refunds:
Passengers can receive refunds for checked bag fees if the airline fails to deliver lost baggage within 12 hours for domestic flights, or 15-30 hours for international flights, based on flight duration.

Coverage of Unused Ancillary Services:
Refunds also extend to ancillary services paid for but not received due to flight cancellations, including Wi-Fi, seat selection, and in-flight entertainment.