Airlines Get New Excuse to Say 'Not Our Fault' as DOT Reclassifies 10 Flight Disruptions

In a move that will surprise absolutely no one who has ever tried to get a meal voucher from an airline, the federal government is changing how it classifies flight disruptions - and it may make it harder for you to get compensated when your trip goes sideways.

A new rule, stemming from the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 signed by President Biden in May 2024, will recategorize 10 types of flight disruptions so they are no longer attributed to the air carrier, according to a Transportation Department spokesperson who spoke with Nexstar. Currently, federal regulations attribute cancellations and delays of at least 15 minutes to one of five categories: air carrier, extreme weather, the National Aviation System, security, and late arriving aircraft.

Starting Oct. 19, those 10 specific disruption types will fall under the brand-new "Section 511(b) category" instead of being considered "within the carrier's control." The DOT says this will ensure government delay data "accurately reflects what airlines can and cannot control" - which is a fancy way of saying airlines will no longer be blamed for things they argue they never controlled in the first place.

The department expects the change will save airlines money by "reducing the negative reputational impacts and harm that air carriers currently experience because the attribution of certain delay and cancellation causes to air carriers that this rulemaking addresses as not within their control." In other words, airlines get to stop looking like the bad guy for things like mechanical issues - even though, you know, they own the planes.

Aviation law firm Crowell & Moring LLP called it "a significant step forward for the airline industry," noting that carriers had long argued the current reporting structure "misattributes certain disruptions to carriers that are not within their operational control." The airline industry, presumably, is thrilled.

Travelers, however, may not be. Currently, all major U.S. airlines will rebook you on another of their flights for no additional cost if your original flight is hit by a "controllable" cancellation or delay. If you're facing a wait of three hours or more due to that disruption, you're eligible for a meal or meal cash or voucher. Only one airline, Frontier, does not provide complimentary hotel accommodations for an overnight cancellation or delay.

After Oct. 19, that could all change. "This is quite a big blow potentially for customers," Clint Henderson, managing editor for The Points Guy, told Nexstar via email. "These new rules mean fewer and fewer issues are considered within the airline's control."

The DOT itself acknowledged that reclassifying the 10 causes is expected to reduce "the total value of amenities and compensation currently provided by air carriers to consumers." So, to recap: the government says you'll likely get less, and the airlines say they'll save money. Everyone wins - except the person stuck in Terminal C.

Henderson was particularly irked by one reclassification. "The one that is especially outrageous to me as a consumer advocate is that if a plane goes mechanical or has maintenance issues, that is no longer considered a reason the airline would give you compensation," he said. That means if your flight is canceled for a mechanical issue, "the airline wouldn't necessarily give you food or hotel vouchers." Because nothing says "we value your business" like a broken engine and an empty stomach.

While airlines haven't explicitly said they'll roll back compensation standards, Henderson advises travelers to prepare for the worst. "Have a backup plan in case things go sideways," he said. "Passengers are going to have to be much more aggressive in researching delays and cancellations. If the airline tells you it's 'mechanical' or 'operational,' you're going to need to do more research… ask exactly what the issue is and document everything. Save emails and take screenshots. Save receipts. Don't accept vague language. Finally, ask for what you want. Even if the answer is no, you have fought for yourself."

He recommends asking for a hotel and reimbursement for car rentals, ride shares, food, and beverages. If an airline declines cash compensation, he suggests asking for miles. Because nothing softens the blow of a 12-hour delay like 5,000 frequent flyer miles you'll never use.

This all comes after the Trump administration announced last year it would ditch a Biden-era plan to require most airlines to compensate passengers for flight delays and disruptions. That plan could have netted passengers hundreds of dollars for delayed flights, in addition to meals and lodging, The Hill reported in September 2025. So if you were hoping for a government-mandated payday for your travel misery, keep dreaming.

For now, the best advice is the oldest advice: pack snacks, charge your phone, and lower your expectations. And maybe take a screenshot of this article, just in case you need evidence later.