Bill Summary
The "Airline Passenger Compensation Act of 2025" mandates that the Secretary of Transportation establish regulations to ensure airline passengers receive compensation for significant delays or cancellations caused by factors within the airline's control. Specifically, if a passenger arrives at their destination between 3 to 9 hours late, they are entitled to compensation of up to $300 and rebooking on the next available flight if they miss a connection. For delays of 9 hours or more, the compensation increases to up to $775, along with rebooking at no additional cost. This compensation framework is separate from existing refund policies. The regulations are required to be issued within one year of the law's enactment.
Possible Impacts
The "Airline Passenger Compensation Act of 2025" could affect people in several ways:
1. **Increased Financial Compensation for Delays**: Passengers who experience significant delays or cancellations due to the airline's control will now be entitled to monetary compensation. For delays of 3 to 9 hours, passengers would receive up to $300, while those facing delays of 9 hours or more would receive up to $775. This financial support can ease the burden of unexpected expenses incurred during travel disruptions, such as additional accommodation or meal costs.
2. **Guaranteed Rebooking on Next Available Flight**: The legislation mandates that if a passenger misses a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation, they will be booked on the next available flight at no additional cost. This provision ensures that travelers can continue their journey with minimal disruption, improving their overall travel experience and reducing the stress associated with travel interruptions.
3. **Enhanced Accountability for Airlines**: By imposing regulations requiring airlines to compensate passengers for delays within their control, the Act holds airlines accountable for their operational decisions. This could lead to airlines investing more in reliable scheduling and better customer service practices, ultimately benefiting passengers by potentially reducing the frequency of delays and cancellations in the long term.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 6820 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 6820
To require the Secretary of Transportation to issue certain regulations
relating to airline passenger flight compensation, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
December 17, 2025
Mrs. Sykes (for herself, Mr. Larsen of Washington, Mr. Stanton, Mr.
Carson, and Ms. Johnson of Texas) introduced the following bill; which
was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To require the Secretary of Transportation to issue certain regulations
relating to airline passenger flight compensation, and for other
purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Airline Passenger Compensation Act
of 2025''.
SEC. 2. REGULATIONS RELATING TO AIRLINE PASSENGER DISRUPTED FLIGHT
COMPENSATION.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue regulations to
require an air carrier to provide to a passenger on a domestic or
international flight who experiences a significant delay or
cancellation due to circumstances that are within the control of the
air carrier in which such passenger will arrive at a destination
airport--
(1) more than 3 hours but less than 9 hours after the
original scheduled arrival time, compensation of not more than
$300, and if any connecting flight is missed due to such delay
or cancellation a booking on the next available flight at no
additional cost; and
(2) 9 or more hours after the original scheduled arrival
time, compensation of not more than $775, and if any connecting
flight is missed due to such delay or cancellation a booking on
the next available flight at no additional cost.
(b) Clarification.--The requirements of this section shall be
considered separate and distinct from the refund requirements described
in section 42305 of title 49, United States Code.
<all>