New DOT Rules Require Faster Airline Refunds and Better Fee Transparency

Washington, D.C. - Today, Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is announcing the finalization of two critical aviation consumer protection rules, requiring airlines to promptly provide automatic cash refunds and up-front disclosure of ancillary fees.

"Air travel has become an opaque, unreliable experience for Americans that leaves them feeling powerless," said Erin Witte, Director of Consumer Protection at Consumer Federation of America. "Hidden fees prevent consumers from predictably calculating costs, and consumers have almost no recourse when they are owed refunds that never show up. These rules demonstrate that Secretary Buttigieg is continuing his momentum toward leveling the playing field for airline consumers and holding airlines accountable."