A coalition of eighteen Democratic senators is calling on the Trump administration to reconsider its decision to eliminate a proposed plan that would require airlines to provide cash compensation to passengers affected by flight disruptions. The initiative, initially introduced by the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) under former President **Joe Biden** in December 2022, aimed to mandate payments of up to **$775** per passenger for delays attributable to airlines.
In a recent announcement, USDOT indicated plans to withdraw the compensation proposal, alongside a review of regulations requiring airlines and ticket agents to disclose service fees explicitly alongside advertised airfares. The senators argue that the original plan is a necessary measure to protect consumers, especially when airlines are at fault for disruptions.
Maria Cantwell, a senator from Washington, and other signatories expressed their concerns in a letter, stating, “This is a common-sense proposal. When an airline’s mistake imposes unanticipated costs on families, the airline should try to remedy the situation by providing accommodations to consumers and helping cover their costs.”
Transport Secretary **Sean Duffy** has not publicly responded to the senators’ letter but previously indicated that some regulations proposed during the Biden administration exceeded congressional requirements. The department is currently focused on reducing regulatory burdens on airlines and ticket agents, including redefining the criteria for what constitutes a flight cancellation that warrants ticket refunds.
Airlines have welcomed the administration’s intention to rescind the compensation plan, viewing it as a step towards easing operational constraints. This sentiment aligns with the broader trend of regulatory rollbacks initiated by the Trump administration. In May, for instance, the Justice Department opted to dismiss a lawsuit against **Southwest Airlines**, which was instigated by the Biden administration and accused the airline of operating chronically delayed flights.
As discussions continue, the outcome of these regulatory changes will likely shape the future of airline passenger rights in the United States. The push from Democratic senators underscores ongoing tensions between consumer advocacy and airline industry interests as stakeholders navigate the evolving landscape of air travel regulations.
