Ted Cruz Backs Bill to Deny Airline Refunds for Flight Cancellations

Ted Cruz Wants Airlines to Keep Your Cash When They Cancel Your Flight

The Fine Print

• Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced a bill that would require passengers to submit a written or electronic request for a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly delayed.
• The provision would effectively undermine the Biden administration's new rule requiring airlines to automatically issue refunds.
• The legislation comes as airlines have faced criticism for selling tickets on flights they do not have the capacity to operate.
• Under the current system, many passengers who experience flight cancellations or delays are left with travel vouchers or credits instead of cash refunds.

The Struggle for Refunds

• The Biden administration's new rule sought to address this issue by requiring airlines to provide cash refunds within seven days of a flight cancellation or significant delay.
• The rule also prohibited airlines from imposing fees or penalties on passengers who request refunds.
• The provision introduced by Cruz would allow airlines to avoid issuing cash refunds by requiring passengers to go through a potentially arduous refund process.
• Critics argue that this provision would disproportionately impact low-income passengers and those who do not have the time or resources to navigate the refund process.

Political motivations

• Cruz's move is seen as an attempt to appease the airline industry, which has lobbied against the Biden administration's refund rule.
• Cruz has received significant campaign contributions from the airline industry in the past.
• The legislation is part of a larger FAA reauthorization deal that must be passed by May 10.
• It remains to be seen whether Cruz's provision will be included in the final version of the reauthorization bill.