As cited
Copy frozen at (site build).
regulatory
Cyberattack causes a flight delay? Airlines won’t owe you a hotel or meal
The U.S. Department of Transportation published a rule that classifies cyberattacks as one of ten "not controllable" causes of flight delays and cancellations, exempting airlines from providing meal vouchers or hotel compensation when such incidents occur (provided the carrier complies with cybersecurity regulations). The rule, which takes effect next month, stems from the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024 and establishes a new reporting category to distinguish between disruptions within and outside carrier control. Consumer advocacy groups expressed mixed views, with some questioning whether airlines might exploit ambiguities in the rule to avoid compensation, while others noted the clarity it provides to travelers regarding their rights across carriers.
Why it matters: Airline customers and compliance officers need to know that cyberattacks causing flight disruptions may no longer trigger automatic meal and hotel reimbursements, though airlines must demonstrate compliance with cybersecurity regulations to invoke this exemption; non-compliance could restore customer service obligations.
- Source published
- First seen by Cybersecurity Tracker