Biden pushing for airlines to compensate customers with canceled flights

President Biden on Monday announced a new rule that would require airlines to compensate passengers who have been stranded or have had their flights significantly delayed for preventable reasons, in an effort to bolster protections for domestic flyers.

While many airlines already offer stranded customers hotel rooms, meals, and sometimes even refunds, the Biden administration is hoping that airlines will be able to provide more with their new proposal. 

"Our top priority has been to get American travelers a better deal," Biden said. "This is just about being fair."

Biden proposed, along with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, that airlines provide passengers with vouchers, miles, or cash if flights get significantly delayed or canceled by reasons other than weather. 

"Your time matters, the impact on your life matters," Biden said in a speech at the White House on Monday, adding that this is the first time in history that the U.S. government has ever proposed such a rule. 

The Biden administration plans to formally propose the rule later this year. However, Biden promised that the details regarding the rule will be made public in the coming weeks, including the definition of what would fall under a “controllable cancelation or delay.” 

In response to the rule, the main representatives for airlines in Washington D.C., Airlines for America, said that most flight cancellations have been due to weather or problems with the air traffic control tower. 

“U.S. airlines have no incentive to delay or cancel a flight and do everything in their control to ensure flights depart and arrive on time—but safety is always the top priority," the group said in a statement. "Carriers have taken responsibility for challenges within their control and continue working diligently to improve operational reliability."