The US has passed new consumer protection laws which entitle passengers travelling to or from the US to automatic cash refunds if their flight is significantly delayed, changed, or cancelled.
The legislation also covers domestic flights within the US as well as passengers travelling in transit to countries such as Canada or Mexico.
Airlines must refund automatically within seven business days for tickets bought on a credit card, and within 20 calendar days for any other form of payment. Travel credits or vouchers in lieu of cash are no longer permitted.
US transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg said, “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”
Airlines must also provide prompt notifications to consumers affected by a cancelled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees.
The EU, Canada and the UK all have systems in place to recompense passengers affected by delays or cancellations.