Sen. Markey, Leader Schumer, Rep. Cohen Reintroduce Legislation to Give Airline Passengers Right to Cash Refunds for Significant Flight Delays, Cancellations

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Washington (September 18, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), this week reintroduced the Cash Refunds for Flight Cancellations Act, legislation that would require major airlines to give passengers a cash refund if the airline cancels or significantly delays their flight, and creates a new right for consumers to receive a cash refund if the passenger cancels their flight up to 48 hours ahead of the flight's scheduled departure.

Senator Markey fought hard to ensure the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 included several provisions requiring airlines to provide refunds to consumers when delays or cancellations are the fault of the airline. The law also required that vouchers offered in lieu of a refund be valid for at least five years. The Cash Refunds for Flight Cancellations Act reaffirms and builds on these important provisions.

"For too long, passengers have been told to cover the cost of the airlines' mistakes, while also paying exorbitant fees for carry-on bags or seat selection. No more," said Senator Markey. "In 2023, the Biden administration took one step forward and adopted my rule to compensate passengers for flight delays and cancellations, but the Trump administration took three steps back and pandered to the airline CEO billionaires. It's time to make the refunds permanent and stop airlines from soaring away with travelers' hard-earned cash."

"When travelers pay for a ticket, they deserve the basic guarantee that if the airline fails to deliver the flight they paid for, they can get their hard-earned cash back," said Leader Schumer. "The Trump administration has repeatedly put airlines' profits over the pocket books of American passengers, leaving families holding the bag by rolling back commonsense consumer protections. If an airline cancels your flight or significantly delays your trip, you should get your money back-end of story."

"The flying public doesn't want credits when the airlines cancel their flights, especially after already benefiting from a multibillion-dollar bailout from American taxpayers. Passengers deserve cash refunds," said Congressman Cohen.

"Travel plans can change last minute, often for reasons outside of our control," said John Breyault, Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud at National Consumers League. "Meanwhile, airlines make more than a billion dollars each year in cancellation fees alone. NCL is proud to support Senator Markey's continued work to protect consumers from being locked into non-refundable itineraries."

"For far too many years, airline passengers have been in the dark about their right to refunds when flights are disrupted,"said William J. McGee, Senior Fellow for Aviation & Travel at American Economic Liberties Project. "Sen. Markey was a tireless advocate who led the charge against U.S. airlines refusing to pay refunds during the early and dark days of the Covid-19 pandemic. This legislation will close a few loopholes, such as requiring that passengers be informed of their rights prior to booking and ensuring that any credits or vouchers will not expire. At long last, it's time for air travelers to be fully informed and fully protected when their itineraries are interrupted."

The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)

Senator Markey is a longtime advocate for aviation consumer rights. In December 2025, Senators Markey, Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act, legislation that would protect passengers by requiring airlines to provide cash compensation and free rebooking for passengers facing significant delays or cancellations caused by the airline. In October 2025, Senators Markey, Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Senator Blumenthal, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) led their colleagues in sending a letterto U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy, urging the agency to reconsider its decision to roll back consumer protections for airline passengers that built on the bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act.

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