The Department of Transportation [“DOT”] created new regulations for all airlines effective August 23, 2011. For instance, the 3-hour tarmac-delay limit, enacted in April 2010, used to apply only to domestic flights at medium and large hub airports. The D.O.T. is now adding small and non-hub airports to this list. International flights, previously exempt, will now have a 4-hour tarmac limit. With this regulation, almost every U.S. airport will now be covered. The D.O.T. is also increasing compensation to passengers who are bumped from flights involuntarily. Fliers are now entitled up to $1,300 for delays of more than 2 hours, for flights originating in the United States, which is an increase from the previous $800. This means that the airlines have less incentive to bump travelers from their original flights. Also taking effect in October, airlines will be required to display more accurate airfares to fliers so as to include taxes, fees, and other mandatory charges in a ticket’s price which one normally does not see now. Along with this, optional fees such as checked luggage and meals must clearly be disclosed on the airlines’ websites. The new D.O.T.’s regulations mark a high point in air-traveler protection and fliers’ rights. For a full list of all regulation changes and your rights as a passenger, please see the Department of Transportation’s website: http://www.dot.gov.
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