The DOT Scraps a Proposed Rule to Compensate Travelers for Flight Delays

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has scrapped a proposed rule that would have required airlines to compensate passengers for flight delays and cancellations. The rule, which was under consideration since 2020, aimed to provide financial relief to travelers affected by disruptions beyond their control. However, the DOT has now decided not to move forward with the proposal, citing concerns about the potential impact on the airline industry's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision means that travelers will continue to have limited options for seeking compensation when their flights are delayed or canceled, aside from the existing policies set by individual airlines. The scrapping of the proposed rule is a significant setback for passenger rights advocates, who had hoped to see stronger protections and more accountability from airlines. Flyers will now have to navigate the often complex and inconsistent policies of different airlines when seeking compensation for disruptions to their travel plans.