New regulations come into force today that mean passengers that are bumped from overbooked flights and require a refund of fees for lost baggage, can claim increased compensation.
Passengers who are bumped from flights and delayed for up to two hours can get get twice the ticket price, up to $650, and as much as four times the ticket value, up to $1,300, for delays longer than two hours. The compensation was previously the ticket value up to $400.
Under the new regulations, airlines are required to disclose ancillary fees on their websites, such as fees for meals and checking bags. They also impose fines to airlines of up to $27,500 per passenger on international flights that keep passengers on tarmacs at US airports for more than four hours.
The Department of Transportation said the regulations "will help ensure that air travelers receive the respect they deserve before, during and after their flight." More regualtions will come into force from January 24. Those that were delayed to give airlines more time to prepare for the changes, include: the requirement to disclose baggage-fee information when passenger is booking a flight; information on baggage fees to be included on e-ticket confirmations; requirement that the same baggage allowances and fees apply through a passenger's journey; a ban on post-purchase price increases; requirement of prompt notification to passengers of delays and cancellations; expanded full-fare advertising requirements and allowing passengers to hold reservations without payment for 24 hours.