Edward Markey (D-MA)
Cash Refunds for Flight Cancellations Act
A Democratic bill with 7 Democratic cosponsors · See all 8 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Cash Refunds for Flight Cancellations Act. It requires air carriers and foreign air carriers to provide full cash refunds for flights that are cancelled or significantly delayed or changed. Passengers are given the choice to request a full cash refund instead of accepting alternative travel, rebooking, or vouchers. The bill sets specific timing requirements for issuing these refunds based on the original form of payment. Additionally, it allows passengers to cancel tickets for a full cash refund up to 48 hours before scheduled departure under certain conditions. The legislation also establishes rules regarding vouchers and provides penalties for violations.
Yes· 3 of 8
- Scored +8
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
The bill enhances consumer protection by requiring airlines and ticket agents to provide full cash refunds for cancelled, significantly delayed, or changed flights, and for passenger-initiated cancellations made at least 48 hours in advance.
- Scored +5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill mandates clear and conspicuous written disclosures regarding passengers' rights to cash refunds and alternative compensation terms.
- Scored +4
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
Low-income households benefit significantly from receiving prompt cash refunds rather than restrictive airline vouchers when travel plans are disrupted.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2(a) requires air carriers and foreign air carriers to provide a full cash refund, including taxes and ancillary fees, for flights cancelled or significantly delayed or changed when passengers choose not to fly, accept rebooking, or take vouchers. This benefits people by ensuring they get their hard-earned cash back instead of unwanted credit when airlines disrupt their travel plans.
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Section 2(a)(2) sets specific deadlines for refunds, requiring them to be issued within 7 business days for credit card purchases and within 20 days for cash or other forms of payment. This is a positive step for accountability because it prevents airlines from holding onto consumers' money for unreasonable lengths of time.
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Section 2(b) allows passengers to cancel a ticket not later than 48 hours prior to scheduled departure and receive a full cash refund, including taxes and ancillary fees. This protects everyday people if their plans change with reasonable advance notice.
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Section 2(c) states that any voucher, credit, or compensation offered as an alternative to a cash refund must be redeemable by the passenger at any time and without any expiration or use-by date. This ensures that people are not shortchanged or forced to use expiration-bound credits if they choose an alternative to cash.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
Based on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions identified that create negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Low-income households benefit significantly from receiving prompt cash refunds rather than restrictive airline vouchers when travel plans are disrupted. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Middle-class families will save money and avoid losses by being legally entitled to full cash refunds, including taxes and fees, for cancelled flights. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Middle-aged travelers benefit from stronger protections and mandated cash refunds for flight cancellations and significant delays. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Seniors who travel will have greater financial security and predictability regarding refunds for disrupted or cancelled travel plans. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Young adults who frequently travel will benefit from guaranteed cash refunds and non-expiring credits when flights are disrupted or cancelled.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill enhances consumer protection by requiring airlines and ticket agents to provide full cash refunds for cancelled, significantly delayed, or changed flights, and for passenger-initiated cancellations made at least 48 hours in advance.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates clear and conspicuous written disclosures regarding passengers' rights to cash refunds and alternative compensation terms. Does this give the federal government more power? — The legislation increases federal oversight by establishing strict federal refund mandates and civil penalties for airlines and ticket agents violating these rules.
- 9/22/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 8 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Kirsten GillibrandDemocrat · New York
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Bernie SandersIndependent · Vermont
Charles SchumerDemocrat · New York
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont
Sheldon WhitehouseDemocrat · Rhode Island
Elizabeth WarrenDemocrat · Massachusetts