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DOT’s New Airline Refund Policy: What Travelers Need to Know

summer 2025 vacation planning

Explore new automatic refunds for flight delays, baggage issues, and more. Discover how these updates mean less hassle and more peace of mind


Effective Date: Fully Enforced as of October 2024


The Department of Transportation (DOT) has implemented a new DOT airline refund policy benefiting air travelers by mandating automatic refunds in specific circumstances. This rule covers canceled flights, extended delays, baggage issues, and certain airline fees, providing clear guidelines on when passengers are eligible for full refunds, credited directly to their original payment method.


Main Benefits of the DOT airline refund policy


  1. Refunds for Canceled Flights: If an airline cancels a flight, the traveler is entitled to a refund automatically, processed within seven days for credit card purchases or 20 days for other payment forms.

  2. Refunds for Delays: The new rule mandates refunds for delays exceeding three hours on domestic flights and six hours on international flights, with automatic processing for eligible delays.

  3. Refunds for Baggage Delays: Checked baggage fees are refundable if luggage is delayed by over 12 hours for domestic flights, or 15-30 hours for international flights.

  4. Refunds for Unavailable Paid Services: If paid services like Wi-Fi or inflight entertainment are unavailable, passengers will receive a refund for these fees.

  5. Exemptions for Medical and Government Restrictions: Travelers can also receive a five-year valid credit if they cannot fly due to medical advice or government-imposed travel restrictions related to serious health conditions.


This DOT rule represents a milestone in airline consumer protections, ensuring greater accountability from airlines and transparent refund processes for travelers.



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