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US Senators Push Bill Requiring $300–$600 Cash Payouts for Long Flight Delays

Fifteen Democratic senators, led by Mark Kelly, Ed Markey and Richard Blumenthal, introduced a bill to require airlines to pay cash compensation to passengers when carriers cause major delays. The proposal would mirror EU and Canadian rules by guaranteeing at least $300 for delays over three hours and $600 for delays of six hours or more. The measure follows the Trump administration's Nov. 14 withdrawal of a previous regulation that would have mandated similar cash payments.

10:47 PM, 12/04/2025Politics
US Senators Push Bill Requiring $300–$600 Cash Payouts for Long Flight Delays

Senators Propose Mandatory Cash Compensation For Carrier-Caused Delays

Dec. 4 (Reuters) - A group of 15 Democratic U.S. senators introduced legislation on Thursday that would require airlines to pay cash compensation to passengers when the carrier is responsible for significant flight delays.

Led by Senators Mark Kelly, Ed Markey and Richard Blumenthal, the proposal would align U.S. rules with protections already in place in the European Union and Canada. Under the bill, passengers would be entitled to at least $300 for delays exceeding three hours and at least $600 for delays of six hours or more.

The lawmakers say the measure is intended to ensure passengers receive meaningful remedies when airlines are the cause of disruptions, rather than leaving travelers to absorb costs and inconvenience.

The move follows the Trump administration's Nov. 14 decision to withdraw a proposed regulation from the previous administration that would have required airlines to provide cash payments for carrier-caused disruptions.

What It Means: If passed, the bill would create a statutory baseline for compensation in the U.S., bringing American passengers closer to protections available in other jurisdictions. The proposal could prompt debate between consumer advocates seeking stronger passenger rights and the airline industry over operational and financial impacts.

(Reporting by David Shepardson)

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