The Biden administration recently introduced new Department of Transportation (DOT) rules mandating automatic cash refunds for passengers when flights are significantly delayed or canceled, unless the passenger opts for alternative arrangements. This move has sparked a debate among lawmakers, with Senator Ted Cruz criticizing the mandate as 'a dumb idea' that ignores customer preferences for rebooking. Consumer advocacy groups and some legislators, including Senators Hawley and Warren, who have introduced an amendment in the FAA bill to uphold these rules, are pushing for the protection of consumer rights against airline malpractices. The rules clarify the conditions under which travelers are entitled to refunds, aiming to enhance transparency and reduce the hassle associated with air travel.
Will note here, the DOT rule provides for an automatic refund IF "the consumer is not offered or rejects alternative transportation and travel credits, vouchers, or other compensation." So the regulation doesn't say just give the money back even if the person prefers to rebook. https://t.co/69Zuk0gN7N
Text of FAA bill amendment @SenWarren and @HawleyMO filed to provide for automatic refunds for flight cancellations/significant delays. https://t.co/UmZG5y7YqQ
.@SenTedCruz says most people with canceled flights don't want a refund - they want the next flight. "The rule saying, 'No, you got to give the money back automatically no matter what customer wants,' that's frankly a dumb idea," he says https://t.co/2aSsVikbTG
Senator Cruz is mistaken about our airline refund rule. Of course you can still choose to accept a rebooking. But if you don’t, you’ll get your money back, automatically and in cash. Ending the refund runaround isn’t a “dumb idea.” It’s common sense. https://t.co/tOiesUt49m
New FAA Bill Outlines Refund Requirements For Significant Flight Delays And Enhanced Safety After Near-Collisions—Here’s What To Know https://t.co/YI1IFW7Hin https://t.co/j90muoPZNm
Hawley, Warren File Bipartisan FAA Amendment to Protect Consumer Refunds from Airline Corporate Greed https://t.co/ToFFOjiNTC
Passengers shouldn’t have to beg airlines for refunds of flights the airlines cancel. They should get them automatically. https://t.co/3jCUqWbpNw
🚨HAPPENING NOW: @SenTedCruz was just asked about the @LeverNews scoop exposing him & other lawmakers helping their airline donors block automatic refunds for canceled flights. Cruz responds by attacking the reporting. Read our original story here: https://t.co/aKUCLGTxPG https://t.co/SCICqsxvpC
One thing’s for sure: passengers shouldn’t have to beg the airlines for a refund when their flights get canceled. I’ve introduced an amendment to protect passengers in the FAA bill
“That’s frankly a dumb idea,” Sen. Ted Cruz said on the Biden administration's new rules that require airlines to be more transparent about extra fees and to issue cash refunds automatically in certain cases. https://t.co/ZpQMxSUC4O https://t.co/Y0unKemurD
Consumer groups push Congress to uphold automatic refunds for airline passengers https://t.co/JkMiGQjrQL https://t.co/P489w1KHBC
New Department of Transportation rules define which significant delays and cancellations entitle U.S. travelers to a cash refund, giving them clearer rights than if they relied on airlines to decide when compensation is owed. https://t.co/nmdhCBPGqV https://t.co/S1dsoXbs5Q
Ted Cruz Doesn't Want You to Get an Easy Flight Refund https://t.co/qx3SMIvacN https://t.co/DWXSRotnwx
Airlines have gotten away with prioritizing profits over good service. These new DOT rules send a message that the status quo won’t fly. Consumers deserve relief from the headaches & hassles of air travel—including no junk fees & automatic cash refunds. https://t.co/AdlN9Edttp
The Biden administration last week announced a new rule promising that when airlines cancel or significantly delay flights, passengers will automatically be given their money back. Legislators with airline industry ties are trying to reverse this move. https://t.co/xzdzpcUJj1