Cash Refunds for Flight Cancellations Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (22 Sep 2026): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
What this bill does
The "Cash Refunds for Flight Cancellations Act" would require airlines to provide full cash refunds for flights that are canceled by the airline, or are significantly delayed or changed. Passengers would be eligible for a refund if they choose not to travel on the altered flight or accept rebooking. Refunds would need to be issued within 7 business days for credit card purchases and within 20 days for cash purchases.
This bill would affect passengers holding tickets for flights to, from, or within the United States. It also applies to ticket agents, who would be required to comply with refund rules within one year of enactment. The bill defines a "significantly delayed or changed flight" as one that results in an arrival delay of three or more hours for domestic flights and six or more hours for international flights.
The bill, S. 5446, was introduced in the Senate on September 22, 2026, and has been referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Its current status is "Introduced." For the bill to become law, it would need to be passed by the Senate, then by the House of Representatives, and finally be signed by the President.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
22 Sep 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Common questions
- What does S. 5446 do?
- The "Cash Refunds for Flight Cancellations Act" would require airlines to provide full cash refunds for flights that are canceled by the airline, or are significantly delayed or changed. Passengers would be eligible for a refund if they choose not to travel on the altered flight or accept rebooking. Refunds would need to be issued within 7 business days for credit card purchases and within 20 days for cash purchases. This bill would affect passengers holding tickets for flights to, from, or within the United States. It also applies to ticket agents, who would be required to comply with refund rules within one year of enactment. The bill defines a "significantly delayed or changed flight" as one that results in an arrival delay of three or more hours for domestic flights and six or more hours for international flights. The bill, S. 5446, was introduced in the Senate on September 22, 2026, and has been referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Its current status is "Introduced." For the bill to become law, it would need to be passed by the Senate, then by the House of Representatives, and finally be signed by the President.
- Has S. 5446 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 5446. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 5446?
- S. 5446 was sponsored by Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA] (D-MA), with 8 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5446?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (22 Sep 2026).
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