DOT Cash Refund Mandate Takes Full Effect: What Airlines Owe You
Federal rule 14 CFR Part 260 is now fully active across all US carriers, forcing immediate cash refunds for cancelled flights and delayed baggage without paperwork hurdles.
Elena Rostova, J.D.
Contact AuthorPassenger Rights & Regulatory Analyst
Elena is a transportation attorney and consumer advocate specializing in aviation regulatory compliance. She tracks rulemaking and enforcement actions from the US Department of Transportation (DOT), the European Union (EU261), and the UK CAA.
Credentials & Background
- • J.D., Georgetown University Law Center (Aviation Law Focus)
- • Admitted to the District of Columbia Bar
- • Consultant on Consumer Protection in Commercial Air Transport
Areas of Expertise
US DOT 14 CFR Part 259 & 260 ComplianceEU261 / UK261 Delay & Cancellation CompensationInvoluntary Denied Boarding & Baggage LiabilityContract of Carriage Enforcement
Articles & Investigations by Elena Rostova, J.D.
JFK New Terminal One Prepares for Phase 1 Opening: Next-Gen Bag Screening and Pier Architecture
The $9.5B terminal redevelopment at John F. Kennedy International Airport introduces automated baggage routing, biometric boarding, and consolidated international lounges.
Verified Changes Tracked & Logged
B6JetBlue AirwaysFees & Baggage
Major ImpactJetBlue Permanently Restores Free Carry-On Bag for Blue Basic Fares
Announced: 25 Jan 2026•Effective: 1 Feb 2026
JetBlue now permits all Blue Basic passengers to bring one full-sized overhead carry-on bag in addition to a personal item, removing gate check penalty fees.
What this means for your trip
You can book JetBlue's cheapest Blue Basic fare without worrying about paying $65 at the gate for an overhead roller bag. This puts JetBlue ahead of United and American on Basic Economy baggage flexibility.
JetBlue Airways Page
By Elena Rostova, J.D.•Verified