US wants airlines to increase aid to passengers affected by cancellations

US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg urged the 10 largest US airlines to do more to help passengers impacted by flight delays or cancellations and warned the government could adopt new regulations.

In letters to top regional and low-cost airline executives released on Friday, Buttigieg said the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is “contemplating options” to write new rules “that further expand the rights of airline passengers.

He urged companies to evaluate customer service plans to “ensure that (they) provide adequate amenities and services to help passengers with expenses and inconvenience due to delays and cancellations.”

He also urged airlines “to provide, at a minimum, food stamps for delays of 3 hours or more and accommodation for passengers who must wait overnight at an airport due to company liability inconvenience.”

Some US airlines will provide meals or hotel rooms if they cancel or delay flights if they are responsible for the problem, but are not legally obligated to do so. Passengers are often unaware of airline policies.

Major companies and an airline trade group did not immediately comment.

Buttigieg said that in the first six months, “about 24% of US airlines’ domestic flights were delayed and 3.2% were cancelled.” Airline passenger complaints to the department have increased this year.

USDOT plans by September 2 to create an “interactive dashboard” for air travelers to compare “services or amenities that each major U.S. airline provides when the cause of a cancellation or delay is due to circumstances within the airline’s control.” ”.

The Department of Transport is drafting a series of new consumer rules for airlines, including requiring refunds for delayed baggage. In June, the agency warned that it may ban airlines from charging extra fees to allow young children to sit next to accompanying family members.