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DOT makes passenger-friendly changes to compensation, involuntary bumps and more

Jan. 31, 2021
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2 min read
Los Angeles Exteriors And Landmarks - 2020
DOT makes passenger-friendly changes to compensation, involuntary bumps and more
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The Department of Transportation earlier this month made some passenger-friendly updates to air travel.

DOT, under the Trump administration, announced in the Federal Register that passengers may not be "involuntarily bumped" from a flight after their boarding pass "has been collected or scanned and the passenger has boarded." The rule goes into effect on April 13, 2021.

In 2017, Dr. David Dao was forcibly removed from United Airlines Flight 3411 from Chicago to Louisville after being involuntarily bumped. What followed was a viral video, a barrage of media coverage, a lawsuit and the start of a conversation on passengers' rights that would leave a permanent mark on the airline industry.

If a flight is oversold, DOT says airlines must request volunteers -- and pay them -- for denied boarding before using any other boarding priority, even if the passenger isn't aware that they're eligible for compensation. Additionally, airlines must provide compensation "proactively" instead of waiting for passengers to request compensation if a flight is oversold.

The DOT also updated the maximum amount that U.S. and foreign airlines may pay for passengers who are bumped from the current figures of $675 and $1,350 to $775 and $1,550.

For delays of more than one hour but less than two hours for domestic flights, and one hour but less than four hours for international flights, airlines are now required to provide passengers at least 200% of the passenger’s one-way fare or $775, whichever is lower. For delays of more than two hours for domestic flights and delays of more than four hours for international flights, airlines must provide 400% of the passenger’s one-way fare or $1,550.

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The rule also increased the liability limit U.S. airlines may impose for mishandled baggage from $3,500 to $3,800.

Featured image by GC Images
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
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  • Annual Fee is $325.
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