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What's at stake for travelers as airlines aim to dump consumer protections

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 12:00 GMT by Seattle Times
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Airlines Push to Roll Back Consumer Protections: What It Means for You

In a move that has alarmed consumer advocates, major U.S. airlines are lobbying the Department of Transportation (DOT) to strip away a range of passenger‑rights protections that were hard‑earned over the past decade. The proposed changes would undo key safeguards that now help travelers keep their money, get refunds, or receive compensation when a flight is canceled or delayed. For the everyday commuter, business traveler, or vacationer, the implications are profound.

The Current Landscape of Airline Passenger Rights

The rules that protect airline customers were largely put in place after a series of airline scandals in the early 2000s and the catastrophic delays that followed the 2008 financial crisis. In 2015 the DOT finalized a rule that required airlines to provide full refunds or vouchers if a flight was canceled, and that obligated carriers to offer compensation for significant delays (more than one hour) and to reimburse passengers for certain baggage and rebooking costs. The rules also made it illegal for airlines to forcibly remove passengers or to rebook them on a later flight without a reasonable explanation or compensation.

By 2020, these protections had become the norm: if you missed a flight because it was canceled, the airline would issue a voucher or a refund. If a flight was delayed by three hours or more, many carriers offered meals, hotel rooms, or other perks, and in some cases a cash compensation if the delay was caused by the airline’s own negligence.

What the New Proposal Aims to Do

The DOT has released a draft proposal—now in the public‑comment phase—titled “Consumer Protection and Service Delivery for Air Travel.” The core of the proposal is an effort to “streamline carrier operations” and reduce “regulatory burden” on airlines. Key points include:

If approved, these changes would reduce the amount of money that airlines have to spend on refunds and compensation by an estimated $2–3 billion annually, a sum that industry representatives claim would help keep fares competitive.

Why Airlines Want These Rules Back

Airline CEOs argue that the existing rules are “overly punitive” and that they impede carriers’ ability to manage flights efficiently, especially in a market that is increasingly pressured by low‑cost carriers and intense competition. “We’re not asking for a return to the 1970s,” says one senior airline executive. “We’re asking for reasonable flexibility so that we can operate safely and affordably.”

The industry also points to the 2022 pandemic as a catalyst for re‑examining passenger rights. Airlines have experienced unprecedented disruptions, and the DOT’s proposed roll‑back is framed as a way to prevent “the kind of systemic over‑compensation that could threaten the viability of carriers.”

Consumer Groups Speak Out

Opposition to the proposed changes is swift and vocal. The National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) released a joint statement warning that the rollback would “erode the hard‑earned rights of travelers, especially seniors and low‑income passengers.” They cite research showing that many people rely on the certainty of refunds and delay compensation to plan long‑haul trips, especially those who cannot afford to wait for a later flight.

The ACLU’s “Travel Rights” project added that the proposed changes could create a new class of “flight‑denied” consumers, as airlines could deny boarding to passengers without offering alternative accommodations. “The current rule ensures that if a carrier can’t meet its own timetable, the customer is not left in limbo,” the ACLU wrote. “These changes would undo that safety net.”

How the Public Can Get Involved

The DOT’s proposal is open for public comment until October 25th. The article links directly to the DOT’s comment portal, where individuals can submit written feedback, testimonies, or concerns. Additionally, the article includes a consumer guide on the DOT website that explains how to file a complaint against an airline if you feel your rights have been violated.

The FAA’s “Airline Consumer Protection” page, linked in the article, also offers a step‑by‑step outline for seeking refunds or compensation. The guide emphasizes that passengers can still claim refunds for flight cancellations under the current rule, but warns that the new proposal could alter the default position.

What the Rollback Means for You

If the DOT’s changes become law, here are the most immediate consequences for travelers:

1. Less Certainty About Refunds – Airlines could keep a percentage of the ticket price for cancellations that are not mechanically caused, meaning you might have to pay a “penalty” even if the carrier made a mistake.

2. Fewer Compensation Options for Delays – The 3‑hour delay compensation threshold would be eliminated, leaving you to rely on airline‑specific policies rather than a federal standard.

3. Potential No‑Show Fees – Travelers who miss a flight without notifying the airline might be subject to a fee instead of a refund.

4. Seat‑Assignment Flexibility – Airlines could re‑assign seats without providing adequate notice, potentially leading to “gate‑gate” conflicts.

5. Higher Baggage Fees – The proposal would allow airlines to charge for carry‑on luggage on all flights, a practice that could hit low‑budget travelers.

Bottom Line

The proposed rollback of airline consumer protections is a high‑stakes policy debate that will directly affect how much money you can recover when a flight is delayed or canceled, how much you’ll pay for baggage, and what recourse you have if an airline denies you service. While the industry claims the changes are necessary to keep flights affordable, consumer advocates warn that they could erode the safety net that protects the most vulnerable travelers. As the public comment period closes, it will be crucial for anyone who has ever booked a flight—and especially those who have faced cancellations or delays—to weigh in and make sure that the rules that govern air travel remain fair and accountable.