The new rules will make it easier for families to travel, and in some cases less expensive.
DALLAS — DFW International Airport is getting busier as the holiday season kicks into high gear. The airport, one of the busiest in the world, expects to see 3.1 million passengers between November 21 and December 3.
At the baggage claim was Jane Rose of Colleyville, awaiting the arrival of her daughter and son-in-law.
“Just in time for me to cook,” Rose laughed.
While the holidays bring excitement, they can also mean delays and cancellations. Sam Melnicove flew into DFW from Washington D.C. with his wife, Glynnis, and their young daughter. He said a charged phone, battery pack and lots of snacks will get them through any potential travel delays. And of course, “Patience, patience for sure.”
Just in time for the holidays, the Department of Transportation has introduced new protections for air travelers. Under these regulations:
- Passengers can rebook at no charge or receive automatic refunds for cancellations.
- U.S. airlines are now required to provide automatic refunds for cancellations.
- Delays of three hours for domestic flights or six hours for international flights now entitle customers to automatic refunds if they choose not to travel.
- Refunds must be issued within seven days for credit cards or 20 days for other payment methods.
James Moses, Senior Vice President of DFW Hub Operations for American Airlines, assured that the airline is fully compliant with the new rules.
“This is like the Super Bowl of travel,” Moses said, noting the airline expects 8.3 million customers system-wide during the Thanksgiving travel period. Of that number, 1.2 million are projected to pass through DFW.
Despite the potential for disruption, travelers like the Melnicoves seemed optimistic.
“No real complaints. It was pretty good,” Sam Melnicove said of their experience.
“I hope things are going well for everybody this travel season,” Rose said with a smile.