Biden administration cracks down on junk fees in air travel

Airlines must both better inform passengers about costs before they buy a ticket and promptly refund passengers when they are owed money

The Biden administration finalized rules Wednesday requiring airlines to automatically refund passengers for canceled or significantly delayed flights and to share baggage, change, or cancellation fees upfront.

Key takeaways

• Under the first of two rules issued by the Department of Transportation on Wednesday, airlines must provide fliers with full, automatic refunds if their flight is canceled or delayed by more than three hours domestically and six hours internationally;
• Airlines are also required to refund passengers for other significant changes to their flights - such as changes in departure or arrival airport or increases in the number of connections - as well as significant delays in baggage return;
• The second rule requires airlines to disclose extra fees - including fees for checked bags, carry-on bags, and changing or canceling reservations - the first time that fare and schedule information is provided to customers.

Get the full story at The Hill