Senator Markey Reminds Airlines of Passengers’ Right to Hassle-Free Refund Amid Government Shutdown

Letter Text (PDF)

Washington (October 9, 2025) - Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) wrote to Former Governor Chris Sununu, the Chief Executive Officer of Airlines for America, reminding Airlines for America's members of their obligation to provide timely and hassle-free refunds to airline passengers whose flights were cancelled or significantly delayed. The FAA Reauthorization Act protects aviation consumers by ensuring that airlines provide refunds for affected flights. At a time when airports and passengers are feeling effects of the government shutdown, ensuring that refunds will be delivered will provide much needed reassurance to consumers.

In the letter, Senator Markey writes, "At this moment of extreme uncertainty, it is more important than ever that airlines comply with the law and provide consumers with the refunds they deserve without jumping through unnecessary and difficult hoops."

Senator Markey continues, "With over 1,000 flight cancellations and tens of thousands of flight delays since Monday, causing rising anxiety for travelers, thousands of passengers this week may be owed a cash refund under the law. While the public's travel plans are increasingly uncertain due to Republicans' refusal to negotiate and open the government, their right to a refund is not."

The Senator requests the following information immediately:

1. Publicly reaffirm their commitment to complying with the legal requirement to provide a hassle-free refund to flyers who experience a significant delay or cancellation.
2. Submit to my office, no later than October 22, 2025, the number of refunds issued since the start of the government shutdown and the average time to process those refunds.

Senator Markey is one of the Senate's leading consumer protection champions. In 2024, Senator Markey successfully fought to include several consumer protection provisions in the bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act, including a ban on family seating fees, automatic, hassle-free refunds, and a requirement that flight vouchers be valid for five years. In July 2024, Senator Markey led a bipartisan letter to Airlines for American urging its members to comply with recent passed consumer protection laws. Senator Markey has led several pieces of legislation with Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) to protect aviation consumers, including their comprehensive Airline Passenger Bill of Rights Act and Cash Refunds for Flight Cancellations Act, which significantly expand consumer protection laws for passengers.

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