The US govt link-->https://www.transportation.gov/brie...inal-rule-requiring-automatic-refunds-airlineMore passenger rights in the USA. Presumably applies to all airlines operating in the USA including QF. With QF already subject to the UK 261 and EU 261 this will add to the case for change in Australia but don't hold your breath.
The proposed rules are very USA domestic airline/flight centric.
I dont think the airline gets to auto cancel and refund the tickets, it's still on the passenger not to accept the alternative and then get refunded.The US govt link-->https://www.transportation.gov/brie...inal-rule-requiring-automatic-refunds-airline
As opposed to a bloggers opinion
The rules seem not to have EU extraordinary exceptions. Say with a massive storm or similar the airlines would still need to pay out. Airfares could rise the cover that. But cancelling-refund after 3hr could be a windfall for the airlines. After a storm(3hr) airlines refund all tickets, as required. How the refund would work on multi segment ticket is unknown. The airlines could then raise fares 100% 200% 500% in the recovery, instead putting them on the next available flight, with no extra cost from the passenger.
The proposed rules are very USA domestic airline/flight centric. No consideration of how the international air travel market operates. And that many 1000's of people travelling by air in USA do not directly pay a USA airline
.
Passenger "claim" or "accept alternative flight" is not written in the text.Automatic: Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.
QF would be in knots with the 7-day timeline. It takes them >7 days to even get to your refund request, then four weeks to pass it to accounts payable, and then another two weeks to pay out something.These automatic refunds must be provided promptly, i.e., within 7 business days for credit card payments and within 20 calendar days for other forms of payment.
This is a textbook example of how the EU261 scheme should work. Well done to Qatar.My QR flight on Aug 18th from CPH to DOH was delayed for about 1 hr 30 mins but that caused me to miss my connection on my connecting QR flight DOH to MNL for about 8 hrs.
On arrival at DOH, we were handed a leaflet apologizing for the delay and missing the connecting flight to Mnl. Information was given that we were rebooked on the next flight to MNL which was about 8 - 9 hrs later. Instructions were also given on how to claim compensation under EU261 regulations.
I wrote in to claim on Aug 25th and received an automated response with a case number almost immediately. On Aug 27th, I receive an email again apologizing and was offered 600Euros as compensation. Clear instructions were given on what more to submit including a release and discharge form.
I submitted what was asked on the email on Aug 28th.
600Euros went into my bank on Sept 3rd!! Howzat for recovery by Qatar!!??
Hopefully the compensation scheme can "encourage" speedy compensation/refunds etc like how Qatar does it.
"The new rules cover all airlines flying to and from the USA, as well as passengers in transit through the US to other destinations..."This might become interesting for QF -
What new US refund rules for flight disruptions mean for Qantas
Tough new consumer protection laws cover all flights to and from the USA.www.executivetraveller.com
Not sure it will make any difference to QF? As the article says, QF already offer the option to refund for significant changes. On the day of departure, unlikely someone in the main cabin is going to cancel and book another airline, given walk-up fare prices. Neither will passengers on upgrades or award seats. Or discount business class tickets.This might become interesting for QF -
What new US refund rules for flight disruptions mean for Qantas
Tough new consumer protection laws cover all flights to and from the USA.www.executivetraveller.com
But it does put controls and limits around how and when refunds for service disruptions and non-delivered services must be delivered. No more waiting months and making 10+ phone calls to get your refund or compensation payment. That is itself is likely a positive outcome for passengers.Not sure it will make any difference to QF? As the article says, QF already offer the option to refund for significant changes. On the day of departure, unlikely someone in the main cabin is going to cancel and book another airline, given walk-up fare prices.
AFF Supporters can remove this and all advertisements
True, but how often will that actually get used, in reality? If most of the lax have originated in Australia, a refund of the return leg is going to be rarely invoked.But it does put controls and limits around how and when refunds for service disruptions and non-delivered services must be delivered. No more waiting months and making 10+ phone calls to get your refund or compensation payment. That is itself is likely a positive outcome for passengers.
The regulation defines what a significant change is. It would not be subject to the vagaries of what Qantas or any other affected carrier may state.Not sure it will make any difference to QF? As the article says, QF already offer the option to refund for significant changes. On the day of departure, unlikely someone in the main cabin is going to cancel and book another airline, given walk-up fare prices. Neither will passengers on upgrades or award seats. Or discount business class tickets.
Agree, but i’m not sure that adds anything to current ACL?The regulation defines what a significant change is. It would not be subject to the vagaries of what Qantas or any other affected carrier may state.
But, there should be be no need to invoke ACL with the auto refund.I’d probably argue that ACL is stronger. A schedule change of less than 6 hours for international may be grounds for a refund under ACL.
Hopefully you’ll still have to ring up or make some other contact to request the refund. These new provisions might be confusing if people think they are their only remedies, rather than ACL.But, there should be be no need to invoke ACL with the auto refund.