The number of flight delays and cancellations has increased significantly in recent years. In the United States, the government aims to improve the situation of passengers and hold airlines accountable.
The proposed regulation is expected to come into effect in January 2025.
“This is not radical — we are overdue as a country in dealing with this issue,” Michael Negron, White House assistant to the president for economic policy, said during a meeting in Washington.
A similar system has been operating in the European Union for 20 years.This also applies to US airlines with regard to their international flights.
Under EU rules, airlines pay between $275 and $660 in compensation depending on the distance of the flight.
Senator Edward Markey, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, stressed:
If an airline cancels a flight due to mechanical problems or crew problems, passengers must be compensated.
The number of passenger complaints against US airlines has quadrupled in the past four years.“Complaints are set to rise 29% in 2023 despite only 11% growth in passenger traffic,” said Theresa Murray, director of consumer protection at the U.S. Public Interest Research Group.
The Biden administration aims to push airlines to provide better service. According to Negron, flights are more punctual in Europe, which may be linked to the mandatory compensation system.
Cover image is an illustration. Cover image source: Portfolio
