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New Flight Refund Rules: What You Need to Know

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New Flight Refund Rules: What You Need to Know

In a major victory for air travelers, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has announced a new final rule that requires airlines to provide automatic refunds for flights that are canceled or significantly delayed.

The new rule, which goes into effect on April 27, 2023, will apply to all flights operated by U.S. airlines, regardless of where they are flying to or from.

Under the new rule, airlines will be required to provide a full refund to passengers for any flight that is canceled, regardless of the reason for the cancellation.

In addition, airlines will be required to provide a refund for any flight that is delayed by more than three hours for domestic flights or six hours for international flights.

The new rule also includes a number of other important provisions, such as:

  • Airlines must provide passengers with a written notice of their refund rights at the time of booking.
  • Airlines must process refunds within seven days of receiving a request from a passenger.
  • Airlines are prohibited from charging any fees for processing refunds.

The new flight refund rules are a major victory for air travelers, and they will help to ensure that passengers are treated fairly when their flights are canceled or delayed.

Here are some tips for getting a refund from an airline:

  • Keep all of your documentation. This includes your ticket, boarding pass, and any other documents related to your flight.
  • Contact the airline as soon as possible. The sooner you contact the airline, the sooner you will be able to get your refund.
  • Be polite and persistent. It is important to be polite and persistent when dealing with the airline. If you are rude or demanding, you are less likely to get a refund.
  • File a complaint with the DOT. If you are unable to get a refund from the airline, you can file a complaint with the DOT.

The new flight refund rules are a major step forward for air travelers. They will help to ensure that passengers are treated fairly when their flights are canceled or delayed.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful: