Many frequent fliers who take advantage of cheap airplane tickets and cheap vacation packages believe that greater flier protection rules need to be put in place.
The following are new consumer air protection rules that were originally scheduled to be rolled out in August of this year, but have since been moved back to January 24th of 2012:
Internet prices and eticket confirmations must include detailed information regarding baggage allowances and fees.
Airline must allow passengers to make a reservation without payment for up to 24 hours, or offer cash refunds for cancellations made within 24 hours of payment.
Increases in airfares or in any component of an air inclusive package are prohibited after payment is made.
No price increases on airfares partially paid for can be implemented between the time a deposit is made and the due date of final payment unless passengers give written consent at the time of making the reservation that they will accept such increases.
Airlines are required to apply the same baggage allowances and fees to a passengers entire itinerary, and where codeshares are involved (meaning a passenger is traveling on two or more independently owned airlines) the policies and fees of the marketing airline whose code is displayed must be followed vs. the operating airline.
Airlines must distribute information concerning known delays, cancellations or changes in the status of a flight within 30 minutes of becoming aware of them, making the information available at the boarding gate, on their websites and, if requested, via call centers.
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