Category: Travelers

The US Department of Transportation has proposed new rules that will regulate when airlines must provide cash refunds. As we’re about to explain, this may be even more beneficial on Hawaii flights.

The DOT published its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. While it isn’t law yet, it sets out DOT’s plans to help airline passengers obtain ticket refunds. Airline practices are a hot topic here this week, especially in light of this: $700 Fare Change On “No-Change-Fee” $100 Hawaii Airfare.

Some proposed rules are new, while others merely codify current practices. This benefits airline passengers, as it moves the pendulum back towards airline consumer protection rather than merely shielding the industry.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said, “When Americans buy an airline ticket, they should get to their destination safely, reliably, and affordably.” The airline trade association, Airlines For America, has thus far declined to comment.

1. Refunds when flights are canceled.

• TikTok user @is.me.larry recently shared a video of herself trying the “pillow airport hack.”
• She packed extra clothes into her pillow, which helped her avoid paying extra baggage fees.
• Arina Bloom, a former flight attendant, told Insider that the pillow hack is a great idea.

From the tickets to the baggage fees, everything about flying is getting more expensive.

But some savvy travelers have found new hacks to cut down on costs, and they’re sharing these tips and tricks on TikTok.

TikTok user Larissa of @is.me.larry shared a video of herself on June 30 trying the “pillow airport hack.” Larissa did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for comment.

The clip, which has racked up 4.6 million views as of Thursday, shows Larissa and her friends walking through the airport, all holding pillows. Once Larissa gets to her destination, she opens the pillow to reveal dozens

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Transportation Department is proposing to require airlines to offer passengers a refund if their flight schedule is changed significantly or the airline makes major changes to their itinerary.

The proposed rule announced Wednesday would require airlines to give refunds if their departure or arrival time changes by three hours or more for a domestic flight or at least six hours for an international one.

Refunds would also be due if the airline changes the passenger’s departure or arrival airport, adds stops in their itinerary, or causes “a significant downgrade” in the travel experience by switching to a different type of plane.

The rule would apply even for travelers who buy nonrefundable tickets, which usually cost less and are favored by many leisure travelers.

The proposal comes after the department was flooded with complaints by passengers whose flights were canceled or changed — or who were afraid