Democrats propose measure requiring airlines to pay cash for significant delays

Source: The Hill

12/04/25 4:59 PM ET


Democratic Sens. Mark Kelly (Ariz.), Richard Blumenthal (Conn.) and Ed Markey (Mass.) introduced a bill Thursday that would require airlines to compensate passengers for lengthy delays.

The legislation, co-sponsored by more than a dozen other Senate Democrats, calls for the Department of Transportation (DOT) to require airlines to pay passengers $300 if their flight is delayed by more than three hours and $600 if their flight is delayed by six hours or more. Such a proposal is in line with requirements in Canada and the European Union.

The bill would also require the DOT to mandate that airlines compensate customers for meals, hotels and transportation that result from flight disruptions.

“Flying is already stressful and expensive. Airlines have to be accountable when they cost the American people money and travelers are left stranded,” Kelly said in a press release. “We’re working to make sure that passengers are protected so that cancellations and delays don’t cost them money out of their own pockets.” The Hill has reached out to DOT and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for comment.

Read more: https://thehill.com/regulation/transportation/5634306-senate-democrats-flight-delay-bill/