HOUSTON – How many times have you started to book a flight - then realized it’s going to cost a lot more money than you thought?
No matter which airline you choose, unexpected fees seem to add up. This is the first summer travel season where new travel rules are now in place. KPRC 2′s Bill Spencer looks into the things you need to know before taking your next trip.
Airport fees are increasingly becoming an issue. The US Department of Transportation recently announced some new rules that will protect airline passengers.
“Well, with the economy these days, I feel like the airport fees, they’re unrealistic,” said Inaiya Alexander, Travel Agent.
In response to this, two new air travel rules have just been finalized by the Department of Transportation and are set to save travelers a lot of money.
New rules about compensation when problems arise
Under the rule spelled out by the Department of Transportation, passengers are entitled to a refund for:
Canceled or significantly changed flights
Passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.” Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.
Significantly delayed baggage return
Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.
Extra services not provided
Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service - such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or in-flight entertainment - if an airline fails to provide this service.
Rules about airline refunds
All airlines must follow these rules when it comes to refunds and giving customers money back.
Automatic airline refunds
Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.
Prompt airline refunds
Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.
Cash or original form of payment
Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.
The refund must be the full amount
Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees, regardless of whether the taxes or fees are refundable to airlines.
The final rule also requires airlines to provide prompt notifications to consumers affected by a canceled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees, as well as any related policies.
Ticket agents must be upfront about hidden fees. Those fees could include baggage, seat selection, in-flight amenities, and reservation changes.
“Honestly, I feel like it has more people, less stressed about traveling because that is a drastic thing that, a lot of people tell us like, ‘oh my goodness, but my airlines, they’re going to be this a million dollars. ’and, I think it will definitely help us a lot and also help the consumers as well,” explained Alexander.
There are also better guidelines for airline passengers who need wheelchairs.
What if my airline is not following new DOT rules?
If you feel like an airline is not following any of these rules you can complain to the DOT online.
The DOT is also banning airlines from using bait-and-switch tactics, in which an airline advertises a discounted fare that doesn’t include mandatory fees that drive the ticket price up. These rules will go into effect in the next few months.
We worked on this content with a partnership with Ivanhoe Broadcasting.