Airline Passenger Rights: Why U.S. Travelers Lose Out

America is Behind on Passenger Rights — and Travelers Deserve Better

As someone who helps families travel confidently and stress-free, I’m deeply disappointed. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) had proposed a groundbreaking rule that would have required airlines to compensate travelers when delays or cancellations were the airline’s fault.

This rule never went into effect—and now, it’s been taken off the table entirely. For families who’ve struggled through endless delays, sleepless airport nights, and last-minute cancellations, this feels like another step backward.

What Was Proposed — and Why It Mattered

The DOT’s proposal aimed to bring the U.S. closer to protections travelers already enjoy in Europe and the UK. It would have required airlines to provide:

• Cash compensation ranging from $200 to $775 based on delay length

• Free rebooking on the same airline or a competitor

• Meal and hotel vouchers when overnight delays were required

These protections would have applied only when delays and cancellations were within the airline’s control — things like mechanical issues, staffing shortages, or overbooking.

For comparison, travelers flying under EU261 and UK261 already have these rights — and many European flights are still cheaper than what we pay here in the U.S.

Why the Proposal Was Dropped

Airlines for America — the lobbying group representing most major U.S. carriers — strongly opposed the rule, arguing it would increase costs and “hurt travelers.” Yet the EU and UK have had similar rules in place for years and yet their airline ticket prices are often significantly less than the US domestic flights are. So this "claim" seems like an excuse.

The DOT ultimately decided to withdraw the proposal, claiming it would “reassess” the regulatory approach. For families, that means one thing: nothing changes. We’re still stuck without meaningful protections when airlines cause disruptions.

And if the Department of Transporation is reading this, reach out. I would sincerely LOVE to partner with you to work on getting US travelers adaquate passenger rights that benefit families and other US travelers.

What Else Could Be on the Chopping Block

What worries me most is that this isn’t happening in isolation. Several other recently added passenger protections — wins we were so grateful for — are now at risk:

1. Automatic Refund Rule (In Effect but Vulnerable)

• Requires airlines to automatically refund canceled or significantly changed flights, as well as fees for undelivered baggage and services.

• Airlines are pushing back, and there’s concern it could be weakened or reversed.

2. Transparent Pricing Rule (Partially Blocked)

• Would require airlines to display all fees upfront — no more “hidden” charges at checkout.

• This rule is currently being challenged in court and could be rolled back entirely.

3. Consumer Rights Dashboards (Under Review)

• The DOT’s new dashboards showing refund policies and compensation options were designed to hold airlines accountable.

• Their future is uncertain amid this broader deregulatory shift.

4. Family Seating Protections (At Risk)

• In 2024, the DOT introduced guidance urging airlines to seat families together without extra fees whenever possible.

• Some airlines adjusted policies voluntarily, but this isn’t law — and without further regulation, families could once again be forced to pay extra just to sit with their kids.

• Consumer advocates are pushing for mandatory protections, but with the current deregulatory shift, those efforts are now uncertain.

Why This Matters to U.S. Travelers

This was our chance to close the gap between what U.S. travelers get and what the EU and UK have had for years. Instead, families remain vulnerable:

• If your flight is canceled, you still get a refund — but no extra compensation.

• If your flight is delayed for hours because of an airline-caused issue, you’re on your own for meals, hotels, and rebooking unless the airline voluntarily helps you.

For parents traveling with kids, this isn’t just inconvenient — it can be devastating.

My Promise to You

The DOT has made real progress in the past year, adding long-overdue protections like automatic refunds and stronger rules around baggage and service fees. But if these are now at risk, families deserve to know.

I believe travelers — not airlines — should have a voice in shaping the rules that protect us. I’d love to work with the DOT someday to help represent American families, ensuring we have a seat at the table when decisions like this are made.

Because airlines shouldn’t be the only voice in the room.

The Bottom Line

• The proposed rule for cash compensation and stronger protections has been withdrawn.

• Several existing passenger rights — like automatic refunds and transparent pricing — could also be on the chopping block.

• The U.S. is still far behind the EU and UK, where travelers enjoy stronger protections and lower average fares.

It’s time for America to catch up. Travelers

deserve better.