Is the Wi-Fi Busted on Your Plane? Biden Admin Says You Should Get a Refund
The Biden administration this week proposed a new set of air travel rules intended to strengthen consumer protections by ensuring folks have access to certain fee information before purchasing tickets, and the ability to get refunds for inadequate services, like in-flight Wi-Fi.
US and foreign airlines and ticket agents (including online "metasearch" sites) would be required to clearly disclose baggage, change, cancellation, and family-seating fees the first time an airfare is displayed. Other charges, like those paid for on-board services that are not provided or simply don't work (i.e. Wi-Fi) could also be refunded, assuming the rules are approved.
"The proposal seeks to provide customers the information they need to choose the best deal," the US Department of Transportation says(Opens in a new window). "Otherwise, surprise fees can add up quickly and overcome what may look at first to be a cheap fare."
Travelers may have noticed recent changes to their airline bills, including fees for previously included perks like checking a bag or choosing a seat with extra legroom.
"Airline passengers deserve to know the full, true cost of their flights before they buy a ticket," US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. "This new proposed rule would require airlines to be transparent with customers about the fees they charge, which will help travelers make informed decisions and save money."
Under the new rule, USDOT would "require that carriers provide usable, current, and accurate information regarding baggage fees, change fees, cancellation fees, and adjacent seating fees for families traveling with young children, if any, to ticket agents that sell or display the carrier's fare and schedule information."
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