Airline Passenger Rights: What You Need to Know

You can almost feel it when you fly these days. It’s that sense that you’re a second-class citizen with limited rights — or none at all.

It happened to Janice Lintz when she was traveling from Philadelphia to New York recently. Her airline canceled her flight, left her waiting at the airport, and eventually offered her a $10 meal voucher and 7,500 miles for the “inconvenience.”

“It was insulting,” says Lintz, a disability advocate who lives in Washington, D.C. “I think without consumer protections, travelers are going to be treated miserably.”

She’s right. Airline passenger rights are disappearing. The U.S. government’s recent decision to scrap proposed compensation rules for delays, which was outlined in a previous column, is just the beginning. Behind the scenes, airlines are lobbying to dismantle decades worth of consumer protections.

What’s About to Happen?

The Department of Transportation has pledged to enforce existing laws. But that promise comes with a massive caveat: Airlines are actively working to change those laws. Their 93-page deregulatory manifesto reads like a wish list for turning passengers into powerless customers.

Here are your current rights (while they last):

– Automatic refunds: If your flight is canceled or significantly changed and you choose not to travel, you’re entitled to a full cash refund within 7 business days (credit cards) or 20 days (other payment methods).

– Full-fare advertising: Airlines must include mandatory taxes and fees in advertised prices. No more surprise charges at checkout.

– Basic accessibility: Airlines can’t discriminate against passengers with disabilities, though enforcement remains spotty.

– Tarmac delay rules: Airlines must provide food, water, and working bathrooms during lengthy ground delays that happen after passengers have boarded. They must also allow passengers to deplane after 3 hours (domestic) or 4 hours (international).

– Overbooking compensation: If you’re bumped involuntarily, airlines owe you compensation based on the price of the ticket and length of delay.

And that’s basically your entire federal protection package. Airlines want to kill all of these.

Your Defense Strategy

So are you out of luck? In a word, no.

“In the absence of formal airline compensation policies, there are still some steps that travelers can take to better protect themselves,” says Ivalyo Danailov, CEO of airline compensation specialists SkyRefund.

Here’s your plan:

1. Know the rights you have (yes, you still have a few)

When things go wrong, use precise language that triggers legal obligations. Your rights are outlined on the DOT website, at least for now. Remember phrases such as, “I’m requesting a full cash refund under DOT regulations for this canceled flight,” and “This is a significant schedule change that entitles me to a refund.” That way, they know you mean business.

2. Use the right payment method

“Pay for tickets with a credit card, not a debit card,” advises Daria Volochniuk, chief operating officer at FlightRefunder. “That way, you can appeal the transaction.”

Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you can file a chargeback for goods or services not delivered or for something that was not as described by the merchant, like a canceled airline ticket.

3. Channel your inner accountant

“Paperwork is your best safeguard,” says William Holland, an attorney in St. Louis with extensive experience fighting airlines. “Save fare and fee pages as screenshots, obtain everything in writing that’s offered, and don’t accept vouchers if you’re entitled to cash.”

Consider taking screenshots of booking pages that show the original flight times and prices. Save all email confirmations and change notifications. Take pictures of delay announcements on airport monitors. And most importantly, keep all receipts.

4. Buy real travel insurance

Forget the airline’s watered-down coverage. Purchase comprehensive third-party travel insurance that covers trip interruption and cancellations, medical emergencies, baggage loss, and missed connections.

5. Don’t be afraid to go nuclear

There are two nuclear options for airline disputes. One is filing a complaint with the DOT, which it is obligated to investigate (at least, for now). You can also file a chargeback on your credit card if you didn’t receive the service you expected.

What to Do on Your Next Flight

Your airline rights are vanishing, but you’re not powerless. The key is preparing before problems strike, or sidestepping the problem by finding alternate transportation when possible. Passengers like Lintz, with relatively short trips, can just drive next time. Or take the train.

Don’t expect airlines to do the right thing voluntarily. When it comes to your passenger rights, it’s time to defend yourself.

The airlines are betting you won’t fight back. Only you can prove them wrong.

Conclusion

In conclusion, airline passenger rights are under attack, and it’s up to you to defend yourself. By knowing your rights, using the right payment method, keeping detailed records, buying real travel insurance, and being willing to take action, you can protect yourself from the erosion of consumer protections. Remember, you have the power to make a difference, and it’s time to use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are my rights as an airline passenger?

A: Your rights include automatic refunds, full-fare advertising, basic accessibility, tarmac delay rules, and overbooking compensation.

Q: How can I protect myself from the erosion of consumer protections?

A: You can protect yourself by knowing your rights, using the right payment method, keeping detailed records, buying real travel insurance, and being willing to take action.

Q: What should I do if my flight is canceled or delayed?

A: If your flight is canceled or delayed, you should know your rights and use precise language to trigger legal obligations. You can also file a complaint with the DOT or file a chargeback on your credit card.

Q: Can I buy travel insurance to protect myself?

A: Yes, you can buy comprehensive third-party travel insurance that covers trip interruption and cancellations, medical emergencies, baggage loss, and missed connections.

Q: How can I get involved in the fight for passenger rights?

A: You can get involved by joining consumer advocacy groups, supporting political candidates who prioritize consumer protection, and voting with your wallet by choosing airlines that treat passengers fairly.