Trump admin ends Biden-era plan to make airlines pay passengers stranded by flight delays
Share this @internewscast.com

The Trump administration announced on Thursday that it would abandon a plan from the Biden era that aimed to mandate airlines to reimburse passengers with cash, accommodations, and meals for flight cancellations or schedule changes caused by the airline itself.

This proposed rule was intended to align U.S. policy more closely with European consumer protections for airline travelers. It was introduced last December during the final weeks of then-President Joe Biden’s administration, thus its future was decided by his Republican successor.

The Transportation Department under President Donald Trump stated in a document released on Thursday that their decision to discard the proposed rule aligns with the “Department and administration priorities.” The Trump administration has been keen on rolling back or altering federal regulations they consider to be wasteful or overly burdensome.

The industry trade group Airlines for America, which includes airlines such as United, Delta, and Southwest, supported the Trump administration’s decision.

“We are pleased with this Department of Transportation’s review of regulations that are unnecessary and burdensome, which surpass its authority and don’t address issues crucial for our passengers,” the group stated on Thursday.

Airlines currently offer various levels of customer service when they are responsible for flight cancellations or major delays, but travelers typically have to request assistance at the airport, and airline commitments don’t have the force of federal regulations.

But the proposed rule sought compensation starting at $200 when a flight is canceled or significantly delayed because of a mechanical problem with the plane or an airline computer outage. Compensation as high as $775 was proposed for delays of nine hours or more.

Carriers fiercely opposed it. In a public comment submitted this summer, Spirit Airlines said the rule threatened to increase operating costs for airlines and drive up ticket prices for passengers.

The budget carrier filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last week for the second time in a year. Spirit quickly followed that announcement with news that it planned to suspend operations next month in about a dozen cities.

“There is no free lunch,” Spirit said. “If every time a flight has to be cancelled due to, say, an aircraft maintenance issue, airlines were required to pay each affected passenger $300 plus hotel and meals, there would be a perverse incentive to cancel flights preemptively at any hint of trouble.”

Biden’s Transportation Department was also considering free rebooking on the next available flight, including flights on rival airlines, as well as meals and lodging when passengers are stranded overnight.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Ex-FBI Chief James Comey Charged in Indictment

On Thursday, former FBI Director James Comey was indicted shortly after President…

Oklahoma Education Chief Who Mandated Bible Presence in Schools Steps Down

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – On Wednesday night, Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters…

Increase in Severe Flu Cases Among Children, CDC Reports

Christine Wear’s voice trembles talking about the upcoming flu season. “Anxieties are…

Ongoing Search for Nancy Tucker Marks One Year Since Helene’s Disappearance

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Almost a year after Hurricane Helene, the…

Comey Claims Innocence in Response to Indictment

Internet Explorer 11 is not supported. For the best experience, please visit…

Passenger Jet Skids Off Runway at Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport

ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – A spokesperson with Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport confirmed that a…

Hong Kong Legislators Approve Ban on Low-Quality Micro Apartments

HONG KONG – Hong Kong legislators approved a bill on Friday that…

Former Banker and Murdaugh Associate Russell Laffitte to Appear in State Court Thursday Afternoon

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Russell Laffitte, the former head of Palmetto…

Eastman Credit Union Contributes $100K to Healing Hands Health for Renovations

BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) — Eastman Credit Union (ECU) made a donation of…

California Jewelry Store Hit by Smash-and-Grab Theft

Our site does not support Internet Explorer 11. For the best experience,…

Storm Team 3: Growing Likelihood of Tropical Weather Affecting the Southeast Next Week

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Impacts from a developing tropical system are becoming…

CCTV Footage Captures Incident at ICE Facility

Internet Explorer 11 is no longer supported. For the best experience, please…