There's nothing more frustrating than being on vacation and having your flight canceled or changed.

This is especially frustrating when traveling in and out of Montana due to the more limited flight schedule.

Well, there's good news, travelers: the U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a few new regulations that will greatly benefit travelers.

The regulations protect passengers and give them the right to a refund in cases where flights are canceled or significantly changed, baggage is delayed, or extra services are unfulfilled.

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New Airline Refund Rule

Before this new rule, refund policies were quite different depending on the airlines.

The goal of the new role is to streamline and simplify the refund process, making it quicker and giving passengers more protection and clarity.

Canceled or Significantly Changed Flights

• If an airline significantly alters or cancels a flight, changes airports, or downgrades service, it will owe you a refund.
• The cut-off is 3 hours domestically or 6 hours internationally.

Delayed Baggage

• You will be refunded if your baggage is delayed more than 12 hours domestically or 13 to 30 hours internationally.

Extra Services Not Provided

• If passengers pay for services like Wi-Fi or seat selection, airlines must issue refunds if those services aren’t provided.

Airline Refund Process

• Automatic Refunds: Airlines must now refund money without a passenger requesting it automatically.
• Prompt Refunds: For credit purchases, refunds should be issued within seven business days and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.
• Full Refunds in Cash or Original Payment Form: Refunds will be in the original payment form, and airlines cannot issue vouchers unless the passenger requests them.

Health-Related Refunds and Travel Credits

If a passenger is restricted from traveling due to health, advisories, or government restrictions, airlines must provide a five-year transferable travel credit.

Travelers may be required to provide supplemental documentation in some cases.

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