2 weeks Ago By Grant Bradley
Airlines face strict automatic refund rules on flights through the United States from tomorrow following a crackdown by the authorities there. Air New Zealand is one airline affected. In information for agents, it outlined details of new refunds of tickets and ancillary fees available in “certain situations” and other measures that have been hailed as a big win for consumers.
The US Department of Transport (DoT) announced the new rules in April , which are aimed at holding airlines to clear and consistent standards when they cancel, delay or substantially change flights, and will require automatic cash refunds to be issued within weeks. They will also require them to reveal all fees before a ticket is bought. In advice to travel agents, Air NZ says the rule covers all flights to and from the US, regardless of where the passenger is scheduled to commence their journey or where the ticket is purchased.
It covers any journey to, from or transiting the US, which includes connecting flights within New Zealand, or from Australia and Pacific Island ports which connect to services to or from the US as part of the same ticket..
