Navigating Passenger Compensation: Implications for Airlines and Consumers

Authors

Noor Ain, Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of LawFollow

Abstract

Amid winter’s icy grip, as frigid December storms swept across the nation, a distressing scenario unfolded for countless airline passengers. In the realm of air travel, a ticket represents more than just a mere document. It embodies a contract, a covenant between passengers and airline companies. It symbolizes an agreement made by airlines—a commitment to delivering timely and uninterrupted travel experiences. Following the pandemic, which brought about technological failures, system outages, and staffing shortages, many travelers found themselves stranded due to prolonged flight delays or cancellations. Currently, the absence of viable options for passengers to seek recompense in the form of refunds, compensation, or expense reimbursements only compounds the challenges faced during such inconveniences. In light of the widespread disruptions gripping the commercial aviation industry, the U.S. Department of Transportation has introduced a proposed rule to provide restitution to affected passengers. This proposed rule mandates that airlines take on the responsibility of covering specific expenditures incurred by passengers and extend compensation as redress for the difficulties resulting from flight delays and cancellations. This comment seeks to examine the contours of the proposed rule and delineate the arguments both in support of and against its potential implementation.

Recommended Citation

Noor Ain, Navigating Passenger Compensation: Implications for Airlines and Consumers, 89 J. Air L. & Com. 507 (2024)