New Rules For Airlines Give Passengers New Protection

DETROIT (WWJ) - New passenger protection rules went into effect Tuesday for airlines -- so what does that mean for you?

Perhaps most importantly, it means passengers will no longer face a penalty for canceling an airline ticket within 24 hours of purchase, as long as the ticket doesn't require travel within seven days.

Ruth Hill spoke to WWJ Newsradio during a stop-over at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Romulus and she said she likes the idea of not having to pay penalties if forced to cancel a ticket within 24 hours of purchase.

"I think it should be that you don't have to pay extra, and I did have to pay a $200 more ... because of health reasons, that I had to cancel," said Hill.

Airlines must also now include all fees and taxes included in the price of an airline ticket and must immediately announce any flight delays, cancellations or diversions.

Passenger Les Bennett said there's another change he'd like to see -- no penalty for changing itineraries.

"My problem is when I already have the flight and my trip's been extended or something and that's -- all the penalties," Bennett said.