Airlines must now instantly compensate passengers in the event of delays and cancellations.

Every day, many flights around the world are delayed or canceled for various reasons. Even if passengers are promised a refund, they often endure days of hassle to receive it. However, a new US law now allows passengers to be refunded instantly under certain conditions. In April, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) introduced a rule requiring airlines to “provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when they are due.” This rule applies to specific conditions, making the refund process much simpler.

When airlines “cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay checked baggage, or fail to provide additional services they have purchased,” they have an obligation to instantly compensate passengers. “Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them, without hassle or haggling. Our new rule sets a new standard requiring airlines to promptly refund passengers in cash,” said U.S. Secretary Pete Buttigieg to Transport, in a press release. statement. Before this rule influenced all airlines’ refund processes, each airline had its own refund policies, which made it quite difficult for passengers to understand.

Some airlines had unreasonable refund policies for canceled or delayed flights, which led to numerous complaints to the DOT. Now, thanks to this universal rule, passengers can easily receive their refund. If flights are canceled or significantly delayed (more than 3 hours for domestic flights and 6 hours for international flights), passengers are automatically entitled to a refund. If baggage return is delayed more than 12 hours for domestic flights or 15 to 30 hours (depending on flight duration) for international flights, checked baggage fees will be refunded. Charges for additional services such as Wi-Fi, seat selection or in-flight entertainment will also be refunded if not provided.

Passengers no longer need to wait on hold or fill out numerous forms to get a refund. Previously, some airlines offered travel credits or vouchers instead of refunds to prevent passengers from changing airlines. With the new DOT rule, each affected passenger will be automatically reimbursed without the need to initiate the procedure. Airlines must ensure that the refund reaches the traveler within 7 to 20 days, depending on the payment method. However, exceptions include non-refundable tickets, unsatisfactory flight service, cancellations for personal reasons, and incidental charges related to delays or cancellations.

Speaking of air travel, a flight attendant hack to force airlines to rebook a flight in the event of a delay is the need of the hour. Cierra Mist (@cierra_mistt), a former flight attendant and influencer, said airlines do not reveal that the flight is canceled because they do not need to refund passengers in the event of an unavoidable delay, according to Federal Aviation Administration regulations. They simply bluff that the flight is delayed and keep travelers waiting for hours. Mist asked to go to the Google Flights website and enter our destination. “When you have all the data, including the airlines’ policy on delays, the alternative routes with seats on those flights, take it to a representative in the office and they will have to help you,” she said. declared. We can then instantly require staff to be rebooked.