Sponsors (17)
The bill strengthens passenger protections by guaranteeing cash payments, rebooking, and accommodations for carrier-attributable disruptions, but it shifts costs onto carriers (risking higher fares and service reductions, especially for smaller regional airlines) and may create enforcement and international complications.
Airline passengers will receive guaranteed cash compensation for long delays and cancellations (committee: $300–$600; interim rule $750), providing direct financial relief when carriers are at fault.
Airline passengers affected by carrier-attributable disruptions will get free rebooking at the earliest opportunity, reducing travel disruption and out-of-pocket costs.
Airline passengers facing overnight cancellations or delays will receive hotel lodging and ground transportation, lowering unexpected accommodation expenses and hardship.
Air carriers (including foreign carriers) will face increased operating costs from mandated cash payments, amenities, and rebooking, which could lead to higher ticket prices or reduced services for travelers.
Smaller and regional carriers may struggle with the financial and operational burden of mandated compensation and accommodations, risking reduced routes or higher fares for travelers in rural communities.
Passengers will not receive immediate protections because the interim rule's effective date is delayed (two years after enactment), leaving a gap before the law's benefits take effect.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Introduced December 4, 2025 by Mark Edward Kelly · Last progress December 4, 2025
Requires the FAA Administrator and Secretary of Transportation to set up a rulemaking process (via an Aviation Rulemaking Committee) to expand and implement stronger passenger compensation and protections for flight delays and cancellations, including cash payments, free rebooking, meal and lodging support, and baggage/amenity reimbursement. The Committee must report within a year, the Department must publish a notice of proposed rulemaking shortly after, and an interim rule with minimum protections must be put in place to take effect two years after enactment and remain until the final rule is issued. Specifically, the measure directs the Department to treat foreign air carriers as subject to these protections, to consider implementing and amending existing passenger-protection provisions, to require regular congressional reporting during the rulemaking, and to set minimum interim compensation levels and services when delays or cancellations are attributable to the carrier.