Lawmakers, including Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Maria Cantwell, introduced legislation that could make it harder for airline passengers to receive automatic refunds for canceled or delayed flights. The new Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization deal would require passengers to request refunds in writing or electronically, potentially making the process more cumbersome. This move comes after the Biden administration implemented a rule to ensure passengers receive refunds promptly. Critics, like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, argue that this legislation favors airlines over travelers, who may struggle to navigate the complex refund process. The airline industry has been selling tickets for flights they can’t operate, resulting in frequent cancellations. This legislation threatens to undermine efforts to protect consumers’ rights and could benefit airline executives at the expense of passengers. Warren and others are calling on Congress to prioritize traveler’s rights over airline profits.
