The airline system is melting down, so maybe we could at least get paid
VergeMay 08, 2023
On Monday, US Pres. Joe Biden unveiled plans to launch new regulations mandating all US airlines to compensate passengers in cases of carrier-caused flight cancellations or delays.
Later this year, Biden added, his administration will push for stricter rules requiring airlines to cover expenses for "meals, hotels, taxis, rideshares and rebooking fees, and cash miles and or travel vouchers," in addition to refunding the cost of affected tickets.
The US is on the right path toward protecting passengers from financial losses when carriers are responsible for canceling or delaying their flights. The airline industry will undoubtedly oppose and lobby against this move, but the recent flight meltdowns have made it clear that the government must support those suffering the most.
Despite its attempt to pass the buck to the airlines for flight delays and cancellations, the government cannot deny its partial responsibility for flight meltdowns. While the FAA's controllers still track flights manually with paper strips instead of using computers, countries that have at least partially privatized air traffic control experience fewer delays, lower costs, and equal or improved safety. America must do the same.
There's a 95% chance that JetBlue will announce that it has acquired Spirit Airlines before 2026, according to the Metaculus prediction community.