You probably saw something about the announcement last week by the Department of Transportation (DoT) that is about to launch a new rulemaking requiring airlines to provide compensation to passengers and cover their costs when their flights are delayed or canceled. Many hailed the announcement as a big gain for consumers; the more cynical said not to hold your breath until you see any positive results. As is usual in these cases, you have to look at the details to see exactly what’s involved—and what’s realistically likely to happen.
Currently, when an airline cancels a flight or delays it substantially for a reason beyond the airline’s control, the only recourse you have is either a full refund or whatever else the airline promises in its contract of carriage—the legally binding agreement you accept when you buy a ticket. The only applicable federal rule is that each airline must specify what it owes you—other than a refund, there are no specifics—in an accessible format. There are no definitions, such as what constitutes a “delay;” just that the airline must tell you….