The Department of Transportation has introduced new rules requiring airlines to automatically give cash refunds to passengers for canceled or significantly delayed flights. This marks a major expansion of passenger rights, with airlines no longer able to decide on refund delays. The rules also include refunds for lost luggage within 12 hours, and passengers can receive refunds for extra services not provided. These rules follow a $140 million fine imposed on Southwest Airlines for operational issues during the 2022 holiday season. Transportation Secretary Buttigieg emphasized the need for airlines to meet higher standards and provide passengers with the refunds they are owed.
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/airlines-give-automatic-refunds-canceled-flights-delayed-3/story?id=109573733