WASHINGTON, D.C. (KTLA) -- New federal airline passenger protection rules have gone into effect Tuesday aimed at easing frustrations commonly associated with air travel.
The Passenger Bill of Rights is the latest effort made by the U.S. Department of Transportation in the last two years to address escalating levels of frustration among airline passengers.
Under the new rules:
Passengers bumped from scheduled flights can be compensated up to $1,300, an increase from the former $800 maximum compensation.
Airlines will be required to refund checked bag fees for lost luggage.
International flights departing from or arriving to U.S. airports must return passengers to the terminal if they are delayed on the tarmac for up to four hours. Currently, only domestic airlines are required to return passengers to the terminal if they are delayed on the tarmac for up to three hours. Airlines that violate the tarmac rule are subject to fines of up to $27,500 per passenger.
Another set of rules that mandates airlines' disclosure of all fees and taxes takes effect in January.
The Passenger Bill of Rights is the latest effort made by the U.S. Department of Transportation in the last two years to address escalating levels of frustration among airline passengers.
Under the new rules:
Passengers bumped from scheduled flights can be compensated up to $1,300, an increase from the former $800 maximum compensation.
Airlines will be required to refund checked bag fees for lost luggage.
International flights departing from or arriving to U.S. airports must return passengers to the terminal if they are delayed on the tarmac for up to four hours. Currently, only domestic airlines are required to return passengers to the terminal if they are delayed on the tarmac for up to three hours. Airlines that violate the tarmac rule are subject to fines of up to $27,500 per passenger.
Another set of rules that mandates airlines' disclosure of all fees and taxes takes effect in January.
