Artificial intelligence might take your job. But at least you'll be less likely to miss a connecting flight.
24.04.2024 - 14:13 / nytimes.com / Pete Buttigieg
The Transportation Department on Wednesday announced new rules taking aim at two of the most difficult and annoying issues in air travel: obtaining refunds and encountering surprise fees late in the booking process.
“Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them — without having to ask,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement, adding that the changes would not only save passengers “time and money,” but also prevent headaches.
The department’s new rules, Mr. Buttigieg said, will hold airlines to clear and consistent standards when they cancel, delay or substantially change flights, and require automatic refunds to be issued within weeks. They will also require them to reveal all fees before a ticket is purchased.
Airlines for America, a trade group representing the country’s largest air carriers, said in a statement that its airlines “abide by and frequently exceed” D.O.T. consumer protection regulations.
Passenger advocates welcomed the new steps.
Tomasz Pawliszyn, the chief executive of AirHelp, a Berlin-based company that assists passengers with airline claims, called it a “massive step forward and huge improvement in consumer rights and protection” that brings the United States closer to global standards in passenger rights.
Here’s what we know about the D.O.T.’s new rules, which will begin to go into effect in October.
Until now, airlines have been allowed to set their own definition for a “significant” delay and compensation has varied by carrier. Now, according to the D.O.T., there will be one standard: when departure or arrival is delayed by three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.
Artificial intelligence might take your job. But at least you'll be less likely to miss a connecting flight.
Porter is a Canadian-owned budget airline based out of Billy Bishop Toronto Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport. Launched in 2006, Porter operates flights connecting cities across Canada and the larger North American continent and select overseas and tropical destinations.
JetBlue is making major changes to its network for this summer and fall following the U.S. government’s breakup of its planned merger with Spirit Airlines earlier this year.
It’s an unfortunate truth that air travel has become an overall frustrating experience. With shrinking seats, crowded flights, and rising fees for services like checking a bag, it’s enough to make even the most savvy of travelers exasperated. But a select number of airlines continue to stand out from the rest, with refreshingly smooth operations and passenger-friendly cabins.
JetBlue and Etihad Airways have expanded their partnership to allow travelers to earn reciprocal points benefits when flying either airline.
As a full-time, on-the-go content creator, I practically live at airports and am always looking for ways to make my travel experience easier.
JetBlue is bolstering its partnership with a major Gulf airline. Starting Wednesday, the New York-based carrier will expand its partnership with Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways to include loyalty benefits.
Flying on Japan Airlines has always been, well, delightfully Japanese. Think of it as an introduction—or if departing from Tokyo, a bid farewell—to the country’s characteristic tenets of respectful, nearly differential service; seafood-forward and fresh cuisine; and commitment to cultural traditions. (Onboard oshiburi, anyone?) Add in comfortable seats across all cabins—yes, even decent economy ones with 34 inches of recline—and you have an experience worth writing home about. Or at least not complaining to someone about.
Looking to travel to Hong Kong in 2025? Cathay Pacific — a Hong Kong-based carrier — currently has open award availability in business and first class from January through March 2025, as first flagged by @FindFlightsforMe.
This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with The Points Guy.
Tokyo’s Haneda Airport has managed to snag the top spot as world's most cleanest airport.
Looking to travel to Europe? Is an island vacation on your bucket list? Want to take that dream trip for fewer points than you thought you could?