AIRLINE COMPENSATION RULES
Stuck on the tarmac during a ground stop? The rules on how long airlines can keep you on board
The FAA's November 13 nationwide ground stop disrupted flights after communications failures affected air traffic control centers. Passengers still have refund rights when flights are canceled. For domestic tarmac delays, airlines generally must let passengers off within three hours, subject to safety and security exceptions.
Why US flights stopped: Ageing systems, stranded passengers and a $50 billion fix
Why were flights grounded across the US? A nationwide FAA ground stop disrupted air travel after communications failures exposed the vulnerabilities of America's ageing air traffic control system. The disruption led to hundreds of flight diversions, cancellations and delays, stranded passengers and international travel disruptions. Here's what caused the US flight shutdown, how the FAA responded, the impact on airlines and passengers, and why the government is seeking billions of dollars to modernise its air traffic control infrastructure.
FAA nationwide ground stop: What you should NOT do if you want a refund for your canceled flight
FAA ground stop: On November 13, a major telecommunications failure prompted a nationwide FAA ground stop, affecting hundreds of flights. Passengers were informed of their rights concerning refunds for flights that were canceled or delayed. Federal regulations guarantee a full refund for those whose flights were canceled. While airlines must notify affected passengers, they are not liable for additional expenses arising from factors beyond their control.
US airlines may face fresh scrutiny as Democrats plan probes into pricing and passenger rights
Following a significant midterm election victory, Democrats intend to scrutinize airlines regarding personalized pricing practices and passenger protection rules. The Federal Trade Commission has requested information from major airlines about the influence of personal data on pricing. Congress plans to revive protections that were previously withdrawn, including compensation for travel disruptions. Legislators are also exploring requirements for transparency in ticket pricing and additional passenger rights.
Woman travelling to Bengaluru reached London after her flight was rerouted, left stranded at Heathrow airport without a UK visa, consumer court orders airline to pay Rs 1.6 lakh
A woman travelling to Bengaluru reached London after her flight from from Canada was rerouted following a cancellation. She was left stranded at Heathrow without a UK visa after British Airways refused to issue her boarding pass for the connecting flight to India. The consumer commission held the airline responsible and ordered it to pay Rs 1.6 lakh in refund, compensation and costs.
Flight to Jaipur cancelled the night before travel, man forced to hire a taxi for Rs 19,500 in morning, Indigo ordered to pay Rs 14,350
A Chandigarh lawyer spent Rs 19,500 on a taxi to reach Jaipur after IndiGo cancelled his flight the night before a court appearance. The consumer commission ordered the airline to pay Rs 7,352 with interest and Rs 7,000 in compensation.

Over 1000 flights delayed, 58 cancelled in US on Thursday amid bad weather: What travellers need to know about refund rules
Flight interruptions have gripped the United States as severe weather affects several key airports. Gusty winds in Boston and New York have led to extensive delays, while thunderstorms in Phoenix and downpours in California have caused further operational chaos. Travelers are strongly urged to verify their flight statuses and review cancellation policies with their airlines.

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby calls for inheritance taxes near 100% and a national wealth tax. What he wants the US to change and why it matters
Scott Kirby, the CEO of United Airlines, has called for a nationwide wealth tax and higher inheritance taxes. He argues that wealth inequality poses a significant threat to American society and needs a national response. Kirby suggests that a federal system will reduce relocation incentives for wealthy individuals seeking lower taxes. His own compensation, amounting to $32.3 million, has drawn attention alongside his tax proposals.

Flight delay rule change: Will your airline still offer a refund if your flight is canceled? Here's how it will affect meal and hotel assistance
A delayed flight can become expensive when an overnight stay enters the picture. A postponed DOT rule could affect how airlines classify disruptions, and the assistance passengers receive.

Will flyers get relief? Centre finalises aviation rules as SC examines steep airfares
Centre has received administrative approval for rules under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, and expects to publish them within two weeks, the Supreme Court was informed on Friday. The court is hearing a plea seeking independent aviation regulation, greater passenger protection and safeguards against unpredictable airfares and ancillary charges.

SpiceJet delay left family without connecting flight, forcing fresh tickets, extra travel and hotel expenses, airline ordered to pay Rs 85,816
A Patna consumer commission has ordered SpiceJet to pay Rs 85,816 to a senior citizen after repeated flight delays made his family miss a connecting flight, rejecting the airline's bad weather defence for lack of proof.

Man City in trouble? Iconic English Premier League football club found guilty in 114 charges
The outcome of an independent hearing that began more than two years ago could send shock waves through English football. If City are found guilty, sanctions are likely to include a severe points deduction and possibly even expulsion from the Premier League.

Customer challenged Rs 10 extra carry bag charge at Shoppers Stop; company said he knew bags were not free; consumer court ordes him to pay Rs 10,000
A consumer commission in Hyderabad dismissed a man's complaint over being charged Rs 10 for a carry bag at Shoppers Stop, after finding he had raised a nearly identical complaint before and had filed several other unrelated cases against different companies. Calling him a habitual litigant, the commission ordered him to pay Rs 10,000 in costs, split between the store and the Consumer Welfare Fund.

Air traffic control boss rules out cyberattack as UK airports slowly recover from chaos
The UK’s air traffic controller has ruled out a cyberattack behind the system failure that led to around 2,000 flight cancellations and affected Air India services. NATS said the disruption resulted from a flight-processing system problem, while UK airports warned delays could continue.

Flyers in EU just won big after a 13-year fight over flight rights
EU lawmakers have backed a major overhaul of air passenger rights after 13 years of negotiations, keeping compensation for flight delays of three hours or more. The rules also promise free family seating, clearer refunds, transparent baggage charges and stronger protections during disruptions.

Supreme Court to hear on Sept 7 plea seeking guidelines to control unpredictable fluctuations in airfare
The Supreme Court will hear a plea concerning unpredictable airline fare fluctuations. The government is fast-tracking new aviation rules aimed at modernizing the sector. These rules are expected to be finalized within three weeks for court review. The plea seeks a regulator for transparency and passenger protection. It highlights airlines charging exorbitant fares and reducing baggage allowances.

Compensation of up to Rs 20,000 if you have been denied boarding or an alternative flight
The new rules also make passengers eligible for compensation if they are not informed about the flight cancellation well in advance.

Fare play: Carriers in a spin over ministry's proposals
Govt had proposed new rules for the benefit of flyers, like relaxation of cancellation charges and increase in compensation for lost & damaged baggage.

DGCA: Airlines must pay for denying seats to those with confirmed tickets
In an unequivocal stand, the Director General of Civil Aviation told Delhi High Court that passengers can seek compensation when denied seats due to over-booking.
Load More
