Tired of delayed flights? New flying law offers refunds, keeps families together.

This summer 271 million Americans are expected to trade a seat at the dining room table for a cushioned one 31,000 feet high. The airline industry is on a hiring spree to staff planes and ensure smoother flights due to an anticipated increase in travelers. 

The industry is also adjusting to new regulations: The Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act, which President Biden signed recently, passed Congress with bipartisan support. The law aims to make flying less of a burden, with new consumer protections. 

Under the new law, the FAA must hire more employees and give more breaks between shifts to retain burned-out workers in air traffic control and crew positions. 

Another change is that airlines must offer refunds or book passengers on the next comparable flight at no extra cost if flights are significantly delayed or changed. Airlines also can’t charge seat selection fees for children under 13 to sit with an accompanying adult.

Travelers can expect more accountability, says John Breyault, a vice president at the National Consumers League. He expects passengers will receive more than smartphone notifications to better communicate the status of delayed and canceled flights and appropriate refund options.  

This summer 271 million Americans are expected to trade a seat at the dining room table for a cushioned one 31,000 feet high. Already the travel season is off to a big start, with Memorial Day weekend expected to see airlines 9% busier than 2019.

The airline industry is on a hiring spree to staff planes and ensure smoother flights due to an anticipated 6.3% increase in air travelers from last summer. 

But major airlines are also investing in public relations. Between a door falling off a Boeing Alaska Airlines jet and an increase in near-miss crashes because of short staffing at control towers, many would-be passengers are concerned, although a majority still trust air travel safety. 

During the pandemic the government bailed out airlines – which then raised prices faster than overall inflation and increased fees. Consumer advocates hope a new law will help. The Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act, which President Biden signed last week, passed Congress with bipartisan support. The law aims to make flying less of a burden, with new consumer protections. 

Here’s what American passengers can expect as they jet off for future travel. Don’t expect to fully see the changes until holiday travel 2024 though, as airlines adjust. 

How will the law address flight delays and cancellations?

One of the main issues affecting flight delays and cancellations is staffing. During the pandemic, airlines initially used layoffs, furloughs, and buyouts to reduce staff – and then had a difficult time hiring when travel bounced back.