DOT tries to level the playing field for passengers

Passengers bumped from their flights could see increased compensation, something our lonely traveler could have used. Credit: Cordey.

By Joe Brancatelli

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has rolled out another series of passenger protections that could become effective as early as the fall. Here’s a quick summary:

Denied boarding compensation increases to $650 if you are delayed two hours and $800 if you are delayed four hours. If you are bumped from an international flight and arrive four hours late, the penalty is $1,300. The airline also must pay if you’re bumped when you use a frequent flyer award or other “zero fare” ticket.
Airlines must allow you to change or cancel a reservation within the first 24 hours after you book it–or allow you to hold a reservation without charge for 24 hours.
You will be allowed to sue an airline anywhere the carrier does business, including where you live or purchased your ticket.
Airlines will be required to include information about your baggage allowance and any baggage fees with any ticket confirmation.
The DOT‘s full-fare advertising rules will be tightened and carriers and travel agents will be required to include any mandatory fees and taxes as part of the advertised price. Airlines will also be barred from advertising one-way fares if the fare is only available on a roundtrip basis. “Advertisement” also includes how airlines and travel agents display fares on their Web sites.

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