Department of Transportation’s changes hope to ease travel burdens

CINCINNATI (WXIX) – The Department of Transportation is making some new rules they hope will hold airlines more accountable.

More than 212 million Americans plan to take a summer vacation this year, according to travel experts at The Vacationer.

Half of those travelers will head to the airport before stepping on sandy beaches.

From canceled flights to lost luggage, countless travelers have experienced a travel horror story.

Aviation analyst Jay Ratliff says it is no secret airline travel is not what it used to be.

“We no longer enjoy travel; We endure it and it’s almost a reality show of ‘how much can these people take on their journey to San Diego?’” Ratliff explains.

Passengers should soon see welcome improvements over the next few months thanks to some recent Department of Transportation rule changes.

“Right now, I think we’re kind of held captive,” says traveler Salina Messman. “I mean, if you’re delayed or you’re sitting on the tarmac for more than an hour, there’s absolutely nothing you can do.”

Among the new rule changes:

• Passengers will now be automatically entitled to a refund in the original form of payment for flights that are canceled or delayed more than three hours domestically or six hours internationally.
• You do not have to accept a travel voucher.
• If your luggage is significantly delayed and you file a mishandled baggage report, your checked baggage fee will be refunded.
  • That is if the bag is not delivered within 12 hours of a domestic flight arriving, or 15 to 30 hours internationally, depending on the length of the flight.
• You can get your money back on any extra services you paid for, like WiFi or seat selection, which weren’t provided.

Passengers at CVG say the rules help to level the playing field.

“I think it’s fair for the most part,” said Hunter Abramson. “That’s the least they can do for people missing their plans and missing flights.”

If an airline loses your bag, you are also entitled to compensation.

The federal government requires airlines to pay up to $3,800 for its contents on domestic flights.

“Putting a copy of your itinerary inside the bag right before you close it on your checked luggage will help the airline so that if all the tags come off, they can open up the bag and see who it belongs to, where you’re at, and then they can begin the process of reuniting you and the bag,” Ratliff explains.

If you want to take it even further, Ratliff says some tech-savvy travelers use Apple AirTags to track their baggage location.

An easy option that could lead to a less stressful and more enjoyable summer vacation.

The new rules will be rolled out over the next several months.

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