The Folo by Travel Weekly: The DOT’s plans for airline refunds, fare rules and more

October 12, 2022 Interview, Media

Under the Biden Administration, the DOT has put out several proposals related to rules for airlines, passengers and travel advisors. Two of the biggest are about refunds and fee disclosures: In the first, when flyers should be entitled to refunds and in the second, when air ticket sellers — like travel agents — should disclose fees like bags, change fees, and how much it would cost for families to sit together.

And there are other rulemakings in the works, plus a new online dashboard on airline policies for delays and cancellations. In short, it seems like a lot is going on. But what does it mean, what do advocates think needs to be clarified in order for flyers and agents to truly benefit, and how can people get involved in the comment process before the DOT issues its final rulemaking?

Host Rebecca Tobin and Travel Weekly senior editor for aviation Robert Silk talk about these issues with Eben Peck, the executive vice president of advocacy at the American Society of Travel Advisors, and Bill McGee, a consumer advocate who is now with the American Economic Liberties Project.