[category]
[title]
As travelers continue to face endless hassles and flight delays at the airport, the Department of Transportation just dropped a new rule that makes things even more inconvenient. Starting October 19, a subtle adjustment creates a new reporting category classifying certain flight disruptions as "uncontrollable"—meaning the airline can claim it's not their fault.
So, what exactly does this mean for travelers? The next time your plane is grounded because of a mechanical issue, the airline might hand you a sympathetic shrug and send you on your way to deal with the financial and temporal consequences.
RECOMMENDED: This is the U.S. airline most likely to mishandle your baggage, according to DOT data
Among the ten delay-related reasons being moved into this "out of our hands" category are admittedly sensical things, like air traffic control shutdowns or disruptive passengers. But tucked neatly into the list is a bummer of a technicality: unscheduled maintenance delays.
Previously, if an aircraft broke down unexpectedly, it was considered a controllable issue. After all, the airline owns, maintains and flies the plane. Thus, if it broke, they paid for your sandwich voucher and a room at the closest acceptable hotel. Under the new rule, however, unscheduled maintenance has been reclassified as uncontrollable, so the airline is not responsible.
The DOT slipped this through using an administrative shortcut bypassing public comment periods. Industry lawyers called it a “significant step forward” for carriers tired of taking the blame. For travelers, it means customer service promises—meal vouchers, hotel rooms, ground transport—can legally fall by the wayside.
Airlines can still choose to help passengers on a discretionary basis, but unless you hold top-tier frequent flyer status, don't hold your breath.
The only silver lining is that on flights departing from foreign regions like Europe, local consumer protection laws still apply. But for domestic travel after October 19, pack extra snacks and entertainment, and be prepared to get comfortable in that airport seat in case your flight is postponed.