These 10 Flight Disruptions Won't Count as the Airline's Fault Starting in 2027

The rule was supposed to kick in this month, but travelers got a reprieve. Here’s why the delay matters for your meal and hotel vouchers, and which common causes of delays are affected.

By February 2027, there will be fewer travel disruptions that count as the airline’s fault.

Several disruptions will be reclassified as part of a new rule that was originally set to take effect on October 19, but was pushed back after Airlines for America, the trade group representing major U.S. carriers, asked for more time to update data collection systems. It also argued that it was more “natural and logical” to implement the new rule at the start of a new calendar year.

What’s Changing

Under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, 10 types of flight disruptions will no longer be considered “within the carrier’s control.” (USA Today). Instead, the DOT says they’ll be tracked in a brand-new reporting category “to ensure government delay data accurately reflects what airlines can and cannot control.”

Here are the 10 disruptions being reclassified:

1. Aircraft cleaning required after a passenger’s death
2. Aircraft damage caused by extreme weather, debris, or sabotage
3. Baggage or cargo loading delays caused by an outage of a bag system the airline doesn’t control
4. Cyberattacks, as long as the airline follows cybersecurity rules
5. Unexpected shutdowns or failures of government systems that affect flight safety
6. Overheated brakes after a safety incident requiring emergency procedures
7. Unscheduled maintenance that can’t be delayed or must be fixed before takeoff
8. Medical emergencies that aren’t the airline’s fault
9. Removing an unruly passenger
10. Airport closures due to volcanic ash, wind, or wind shear

What It Could Mean for You

The change could primarily affect travelers’ compensation, such as hotel stays, meals, and airport transportation during long delays or cancellations, according to Erika Josefsson, an air passenger rights expert at AirHelp. Josefsson expects the greatest impact to be on unscheduled maintenance, which is a common cause of delays.

What this means is, “If the plane goes mechanical at the gate because it’s not safe to fly, the airlines may no longer have to compensate you,” said Clint Henderson of The Points Guy.

Experts have differing opinions about the change. William J. McGee of the American Economic Liberties Project said the rule is “really going to hurt consumers,” while Josefsson said, “I don’t believe it’s going to be a huge impact anyways, but passengers should be prepared.”

What Isn’t Changing

What’s good to know is that if your flight is canceled and you opt not to fly, you’re still entitled to a full refund. Other passenger rights, including those concerning tarmac delay rules, also still stand.

How to Protect Yourself

Josefsson recommends asking airline staff why your flight was disrupted and documenting any notifications or emails. Some airlines may still offer vouchers, so it’s best to check DOT’s consumer dashboard, where each airline’s policies on compensation due to flight disruptions are detailed. You may also consider getting travel insurance.

Meanwhile, Henderson suggests booking with a credit card that covers trip delays or cancellations. It’s also good to save any receipts of expenses incurred due to the disruption, in case you’re able to get reimbursed. “It never hurts to ask, and if your first answer is no, ask again,” he said.