Published: March 2023

Proposed legislation would require cash refunds for flight cancellations and significant delays

Consumer Action was among the endorsers of proposed legislation to give consumers the right to a full cash refund when airlines significantly delay or cancel their flight, or when the consumer cancels their flight at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure.

Consumer Action spoke up in support of legislation proposed by U.S. Senators Markey and Blumenthal and Representatives Cohen and Raskin that would give consumers the right to a full cash refund when airlines cancel or significantly delay a flight, or if the consumer cancels their flight at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time. Under the Cash Refunds for Flight Cancellations Act, a covered airline or ticket agent would be required to notify consumers of their right to a full cash refund, and offer the refund within 30 days of a qualifying delay or cancellation. The legislation also authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to impose a $1,000 civil penalty on an airline for failing to provide a full cash refund to a passenger within 30 days.

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Click here to read supporters' quotes.

Click here to read the legislation.

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