Bill · H.R. 10517· House(119-HR-10517)
Fair Fees Act
- Introduced
- 9/21/2026
- Last activity
- 9/21/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Sponsored by
- Steve Cohen
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Fair Fees Act. It amends title 49 of the United States Code to require air carriers, foreign air carriers, and ticket agents to provide full cash refunds for cancelled, significantly delayed, or changed flights. The legislation sets strict timing rules for issuing these refunds based on the original payment method. It also allows passengers to receive a full cash refund if they cancel their ticket at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure. Additionally, carriers may offer vouchers or credits as an alternative, but these alternatives must never expire and must clearly state the passenger's right to choose cash instead.
Yes· 3 of 9
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+7
The bill enhances consumer protections by requiring airlines to provide full cash refunds for cancelled or significantly delayed flights and non-expiring travel credits.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+5
Low-income households relying on tight travel budgets are protected from losing money on cancelled flights through mandatory cash refunds.
Would middle-income households be better off under this?+5
Middle-class families gain financial security and flexibility when travel plans are disrupted by airlines.
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)(1): This provision requires air carriers to provide a full cash refund, including taxes and ancillary fees, for flights that are cancelled or significantly delayed or changed if the passenger chooses not to fly or accept rebooking. This benefits everyday people by ensuring they get their hard-earned money back instead of being forced to accept unwanted flight changes.
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Section 2(a)(2): This section sets strict deadlines for issuing refunds, requiring them within 7 business days for credit card purchases and 20 days for cash or other payments. This protects consumers by ensuring they are not kept waiting indefinitely for their money.
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Section 2(b)(1): Under this rule, if a passenger cancels their ticket at least 48 hours before departure, covered carriers or ticket agents must offer a full cash refund and pay it within 30 days. This gives travelers helpful flexibility if their plans change ahead of time.
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Section 2(c)(2): This part mandates that any voucher, credit, or alternative compensation offered by a carrier must be redeemable at any time without any expiration or use-by date. This is a clear win for consumers who often lose out on expiring travel credits.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 2(d)(3): This section defines a significantly delayed or changed flight as arriving 3 or more hours late for domestic flights and 6 or more hours late for international flights. Holding out for these specific time thresholds means passengers experiencing shorter, yet still disruptive delays may not automatically qualify for the same refund protections under this specific definition.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Middle Class Households+5Good For Middle Aged+4Good For Seniors+4Good For Young Adults+4Good For High Income Households+3Good For Rural Residents+3Good For Urban Residents+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+7
- 9/21/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Introduced in House
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.