Responding to a flurry of court challenges and petitions from the industry, the Transportation Department postponed the effective date of key portions of its new consumer protection rules to Jan. 24.
The postponement affects the rewrite of the DOT's full-fare advertising rule, which was slated to take effect Oct. 24, and a number of other new rules slated to become effective Aug. 23.
Among the deferred rules are two provisions, cited by ASTA as unworkable, dictating how agents must advise clients and Web shoppers about airline baggage fees and other ancillary charges, including specific notices on e-ticket confirmations.
Also delayed were several provisions challenged in court by Allegiant and Spirit, including a rule requiring airlines to offer cash refunds up to 24 hours after travelers make a reservation.
At the request of the Air Transport Association, the DOT also deferred a provision that would require the baggage allowances and fees of the marketing carrier to prevail on all segments of codeshare itineraries, even if the policies of the operating carrier are more advantageous.
All other portions of the rules will go into effect on Aug. 23, including an extension of the tarmac delay rule to additional U.S. airports and to foreign airlines as well as an increase in the minimum denied-boarding compensation for bumped passengers.