WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) helped introduce legislation to protect flyers by requiring airlines to provide cash compensation and free rebooking for passengers facing significant delays or cancellations caused by the airline. The bill comes just in time for the holiday season which is expected to see record numbers of travelers.

Early estimates project a record 8.03 million travelers will take domestic flights this holiday season, a 2.3% increase compared to last year. This would mark the first time in history that number tops 8 million.

"It's simple: if your flight is canceled or significantly delayed and disrupts your travel plans, you should be compensated," said Senator Klobuchar. "This legislation will ensure airlines reimburse passengers for the cost of hotels, meals, and transportation as a result of flight cancellations or delays."

"Traveling is already expensive, and the last thing Minnesotans need is an unexpected and expensive bill for rebooking a flight that was canceled because of an airline, especially as folks try to be with their families over the holidays," said Senator Smith. "This legislation holds airlines accountable for their mistakes and fixes another Trump administration blunder."

People are flying now more than ever. With more Minnesotans flying, refunds and reimbursements for significant cancellations and delays that disrupt travel plans are crucial. In 2024, roughly 20% of all flights departing from MSP were delayed or canceled.

Under the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act, the DOT would issue regulations that would set a baseline standard of compensation of at least $300 for a delay of more than 3 hours but less than 6 hours and at least $600 for a delay of 6 hours or more.

The bill is led by Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ed Markey (D-MA), and cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Read the full text of the bill here.

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