The Transportation Department said airlines will be required to provide automatic cash refunds within a few days for canceled flights and “significant” delays.
Does this rule set apply towards diversions? Because under the current rule set an airline can divert a plane to an airport several hours away from your intended destination and they only have to give you a connection at some point in time.
Canceled or significantly changed flights: Passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.” Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.
Does this rule set apply towards diversions? Because under the current rule set an airline can divert a plane to an airport several hours away from your intended destination and they only have to give you a connection at some point in time.
Yes it would apply:
https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/biden-harris-administration-announces-final-rule-requiring-automatic-refunds-airline
That seems like it would fall under the delayed category.