09/24/2026
What does DOT’s new flight-delay rule actually change?
Beginning October 19, the U.S. Department of Transportation will change how airlines categorize certain flight delays and cancellations in reports submitted to the government.
The final rule implements Section 511(b) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 by removing ten specified types of disruption from the “Air Carrier” reporting category, which covers circumstances considered within an airline’s control. Instead, those events will be reported under a new Section 511(b) category.
They include certain unscheduled maintenance, qualifying cybersecurity attacks, medical emergencies, the removal of unruly passengers, and airport closures caused by volcanic ash, wind, or wind shear. The rule does not itself establish new passenger compensation requirements or eliminate existing ones.
Airlines determine through their customer-service policies what amenities or compensation they provide for controllable delays and cancellations, and DOT can enforce commitments that airlines make. However, because the ten specified events will no longer be categorized as within the carrier’s control, the change could have a practical effect. DOT itself acknowledges that the number of disruptions for which airlines provide amenities and compensation is expected to decrease.
Passenger refund rights are separate. If an airline cancels a flight or significantly delays or changes it, passengers who choose not to travel or accept the alternative offered retain their right to a refund regardless of the reason for the disruption.
The final rule takes effect October 19, 2026.
Read the U.S. Department of Transportation final rule: https://www.transportation.gov/regulations/federal-register-documents/2026-18040
