I'm surprised nobody has posted this yet, but starting in October a bunch of new automatic refund rules will take effect for airlines. Also of note is they're continuing to work on families being seated together, and some other quality of life benefits. Link below provides some details. Anybody have any thoughts?
https://www.transportation.gov/brie...inal-rule-requiring-automatic-refunds-airline
My major thought is that this is a good step towards bringing airline consumer protections closer to being in line with surface transportation (mostly Amtrak and long-haul bus routes). It's also going to both modestly increase ticket prices, and somewhat decrease scheduled flights as airlines increase the timetable times to better absorb IROPs.
Another longer term impact will be that premium cabins and seating will likely become more standardized in size across domestic fleets (no more tiny first class cabin on A319's) to prevent a re-gauge from causing a large, expensive refund. Something they currently get away with because a re-gauge that puts a first class passenger into coach does not actually entitle the customer to any refund.
https://www.transportation.gov/brie...inal-rule-requiring-automatic-refunds-airline
My major thought is that this is a good step towards bringing airline consumer protections closer to being in line with surface transportation (mostly Amtrak and long-haul bus routes). It's also going to both modestly increase ticket prices, and somewhat decrease scheduled flights as airlines increase the timetable times to better absorb IROPs.
Another longer term impact will be that premium cabins and seating will likely become more standardized in size across domestic fleets (no more tiny first class cabin on A319's) to prevent a re-gauge from causing a large, expensive refund. Something they currently get away with because a re-gauge that puts a first class passenger into coach does not actually entitle the customer to any refund.