Rep. Sykes Introduces Airline Passenger Compensation Act to Protect Travelers from Airline-Caused Delays

Rep. Sykes Introduces Airline Passenger Compensation Act to Protect Travelers from Airline-Caused Delays

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Vice Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, introduced the Airline Passenger Compensation Act, legislation that would require U.S. airlines to provide cash compensation and rebooking assistance to passengers affected by airline-caused flight delays and cancellations. The bill is being co-led by Ranking Member Rick Larsen and Representative Greg Stanton.

"Passengers should not have to bear the financial and personal burden when airlines fail to deliver the service they sell," said Rep. Sykes. "This bill ensures travelers are compensated fairly and can reach their destinations without additional stress or cost."

"Holiday season is meant to be spent with family and friends, not stuck at an airport for hours," Ranking Member Larsen said. "I am pleased to join fellow T&I Democrats Reps. Sykes and Stanton to protect the wallets of travelers who are late to the holidays thanks to delayed and cancelled flights. The Trump administration could have let the Biden-era rule guaranteeing cash compensation for significant delays and cancellations stand, but they chose not to protect families. This bill rights that wrong."

"Millions of Americans will be flying this holiday season to see their families, and those plane tickets aren't cheap. Travelers deserve confidence that when their flight is significantly delayed or cancelled due to airline error, they won't be left paying thousands of dollars in additional expenses out of pocket," said Rep. Stanton.

Flight cancellations and lengthy delays create serious hardships for millions of Americans. Government Accountability Office (GAO) data show that between July 2021 and April 2022, over 15 million passengers were potentially affected by cancellations, and over 116 million passengers experienced delays. U.S. airline data for 2022 and 2023 show that more than 60% of domestic delays of three hours or longer were caused by the airlines themselves.

Currently, passengers face significant obstacles in holding airlines accountable. Airline policies are often vague, frontline staff may be unable to assist, and passengers frequently must pay out of pocket with uncertain reimbursement. With federal consumer protection enforcement weakening, travelers have fewer avenues for redress.

Key Provisions of the Airline Passenger Compensation Act:

• Cash Compensation: Airlines would pay $300 for domestic and international flights delayed three or more hours and $775 for flights delayed nine or more hours. This also applies to cancellations.
• Free Rebooking: Airlines must rebook passengers at no additional cost on the next available flight.

Internationally, countries including Canada, Brazil, the European Union, and the United Kingdom already provide compensation and services for airline-caused disruptions. Studies show that these protections reduce both the likelihood and duration of flight delays.

The bill responds directly to the Trump Administration's decision to drop the Department of Transportation rulemaking in September 2025, a move praised by airlines that put profits over passengers.

The language of the bill can be found here.