D.O.T. Rolls Back Airline Consumer Protections (travelradar.aero)

The Department of Transportation is reversing Biden-era airline consumer protections covering disrupted-flight compensation, disabled passengers and junk fee disclosure. A rule requiring airlines to report delays and cancellations in new categories, due Oct. 19, 2026, was postponed at Airlines for America's request; reporting now starts Jan. 1, 2027 and the rule takes effect Feb. 1, 2027. Airlines would be exempt from compensating passengers for 10 disruption types deemed outside their control, including unscheduled maintenance, unruly passengers, cyberattacks and airport closures from volcanic ash or wind.