New airline rules are set to go into effect this fall, and they promise significant changes for travelers. In an interview on FOX 13 Seattle’s Good Day Seattle, consumer advocate Kevin Brasler detailed these upcoming regulations and their impact. Joined by host Erin Mayovsky, Brasler highlighted the key aspects of these changes and what travelers can expect.
Automatic Refunds
One of the most significant changes involves the automatic issuance of refunds. According to Kevin Brasler, airlines have long been required to provide refunds when they cancel flights or make significant schedule changes. However, they often defaulted to issuing travel credits instead. The new law mandates that airlines must now automatically issue refunds to passengers, eliminating the need for travelers to jump through hoops to get their money back.
Refund Timeliness
Erin Mayovsky emphasized the importance of the term “automatic” and questioned how quickly these refunds would be processed. Brasler clarified that the new rules require airlines to return the money within a specific timeframe—typically ten business days. This ensures that passengers receive their refunds promptly, directly to their original form of payment.
Family Seating Without Extra Fees
Another notable change is the removal of extra fees for families wishing to sit together. As Brasler explained, airlines can no longer charge fees to seat families with children under 13 together. Although families might still be placed in less desirable seats, they won’t have to pay additional costs to sit together, providing some relief for traveling parents.
Luggage and Delay Compensation
Mayovsky raised concerns about luggage delays and cancellations. Brasler noted that new rules also address these issues. Airlines must refund baggage handling fees if luggage is lost or delayed. While the law does not cover all possible inconveniences, it ensures that travelers are compensated for specific issues related to baggage.
Transparency in Fees
The new rules also aim to bring transparency to the booking process. Currently, airlines often display low base fares without disclosing additional fees for seat selection, baggage, or flight changes. Brasler highlighted that the Department of Transportation’s new rules will require airlines to disclose these fees upfront, allowing consumers to see the true cost of their tickets and make informed decisions.
Legal Challenges from Airlines
Despite these consumer-friendly changes, Brasler mentioned that airlines are already suing to block some of these new rules. The requirement to disclose all fees upfront, for instance, is facing legal challenges. Airlines argue that these regulations could impact their revenue, but consumer advocates like Brasler see these lawsuits as efforts to continue profiting from hidden fees at the expense of transparency.
The Bait-and-Switch Tactic
Brasler criticized the airline industry’s common practice of showing low fares to attract customers, only to add numerous fees later in the booking process. He described this as a “bait-and-switch” operation that misleads consumers. The new rules aim to combat this practice by ensuring all fees are disclosed upfront, allowing travelers to make more accurate price comparisons.
Protecting Consumers
Erin Mayovsky asked Brasler how travelers can protect themselves in the meantime. Brasler advised being vigilant about the potential for hidden fees and understanding the full cost of a ticket before booking. He also emphasized the importance of staying informed about these new rules and utilizing consumer protection resources like Consumers’ Checkbook, which he represents.
“No Rules About Overbooked Flights”
People in the comments shared their thoughts: “It always amazes me how a company can refund 7 to 10 business days yet they can whip it out of my account immediately”
Another commenter added: “Still no rules about all these overbooked flights. That’s the most toxic thing about airlines. They shouldn’t be able to kick paying customers out off their seats.”
One person said: “Automatic… if they can take payment at the ticket counter they can refund it at the ticket counter.”
A Win for Consumers?
These new airline regulations represent a significant step towards protecting consumers and ensuring fairer practices in the travel industry. However, the ongoing legal battles indicate that the fight for transparency and fairness is far from over. As these rules go into effect, travelers should stay informed and vigilant, advocating for their rights and holding airlines accountable for their practices.
Impact on Future Travel Plans
What are your thoughts? How do you think the automatic refund policy will impact your future travel plans? What are your thoughts on airlines’ legal challenges against fee transparency rules? Have you ever experienced issues with hidden fees or refund delays when traveling? How did you handle them? Do you believe these new rules will lead to a significant change in the airline industry, or will airlines find new ways to circumvent them?
See the full video on FOX 13 Seattle’s YouTube channel for more details here.
