Source: Chris Muther, Boston Globe ( Paid Registration )

After decades of laissez-faire enforcement, the Department of Transportation is proposing changes to clarify the vague language airlines use to determine “significant delays,” potentially helping passengers receive refunds or vouchers more efficiently.

Under the new DOT mandate, the ambiguities are gone. A significant delay will be defined as when a domestic departure or arrival is affected by three or more hours because of delays or changes, and six hours or more for international flights. The new definition would also include changes made to the departure or arrival airport, increases in the number of connections, or changes to the type of aircraft flown.

Read Full Article: Air passengers could see sweeping reforms and easier refunds