Q&A on new airlines rules that will have “huge†impact on flyers
New passenger protection rules that go into effect this week are “huge,” says Kate Hanni, founder of FlyersRights.org. But what do they mean for passengers?
Some questions and answers:
Question: What does this do for passengers asking for “bumping compensation?”
Answer: Under the new rule, passengers can get up to US$650 if the airline can get them to their destination within two hours of their originally scheduled arrival time, or up to $1,300 if they are delayed longer. Those amounts used to be $400 and $800.
Q: What should you know about accepting those vouchers?
A: Always take cash rather than flight vouchers, Hanni advised. “Vouchers come with a lot of caveats. Anytime the airline offers you a voucher, it's to their benefit, not yours," Hanni told CNN.
Q: How does this affect the tarmac delay rule?
A: International flights stuck on US airport tarmacs more than four hours must now allow passengers to get off the plane or face huge fines, with exceptions allowed for safety, security or air traffic control-related reasons.
Q: How do the new rules impact baggage?
A: If you pay extra to check a piece of luggage and the airline loses your bag, it must now refund the bag fee. Airlines already must compensate passengers for lost or damaged baggage.
Q: Is this the end of new rules, at least not for a while?
A: No. The federal government postponed a handful of other consumer protections that were scheduled to go into effect this week after airlines and travel agents said they needed more time to implement the changes. Rules set to begin early next year will require airlines to prominently disclose all potential fees on their websites and will ban carriers from raising prices after a ticket purchase.
The Association of Passenger Rights was among groups applauded the new rules, calling them long overdue.
By David Wilkening
David
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