Air travel is a tricky undertaking. Any number of factors, from inclement weather to software issues, can delay or cancel an airplane. Considering the roughly 25,000 flights departing American airports every day, even a one percent cancellation rate means 250 grounded flights. However, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) says that airlines are now required to issue airfare refunds for cancellations or significant delays.

New regulations will force airlines to issue ‘automatic’ airfare refunds to passengers after cancellations and lengthy delays

 From “luggage rage” to missed vacations altogether, passenger satisfaction with air travel is a moving target. However, a recent change might put a few more smiles on faces and cash in pockets. 

An X post from U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg detailed some of the finer points in the airfare refund policy. For starters, the new policy states that “passengers are entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed.” However, a caveat suggests that the refund is only applicable should a passenger decline rebooking or “alternative compensation.”

In addition to refunds for airfare tickets, the new regulations outline refunds for airline baggage fees in the event of mishandling or delayed delivery. According to the new rules, a passenger “is entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee” should the bag not arrive promptly. For domestic flights, passengers can seek a refund after 12 hours. As for international flights, the timeframe extends from 15 to 30 hours.

Finally, Transport Secretary Buttigieg’s post outlines refunds for “ancillary services not provided.” Think seat upgrades, Wi-Fi service, or inflight entertainment. However, some frequent fliers were less than excited to hear the news. One cynical commenter wrote, “It’s bound to drive prices up.”

On the other hand, some readers were noticeably more excited. One commenter replied to Transport Secretary Buttigieg’s post with “Excellent! Thank you for seeing this through!”