Time is Money Act
Summary
The "Time is Money Act" directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations that reduce the threshold for defining a significantly delayed or changed flight. This would amend section 260.2 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. The change would reduce the delay threshold from 3 hours to 2 hours for domestic flights and from 6 hours to 5 hours for international flights.
Expected Effects
If enacted, airlines may be required to compensate passengers or provide amenities for shorter delays than currently required. This could lead to changes in airline scheduling and operational practices. It may also affect consumer behavior regarding flight booking and travel insurance.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially increased compensation for travelers experiencing shorter flight delays.
- Possible improvements in airline punctuality as airlines seek to avoid compensation costs.
- Increased transparency regarding flight delay policies.
- May incentivize airlines to invest in better operational efficiency.
- Could lead to more consumer-friendly airline practices.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased airfares as airlines attempt to offset compensation costs.
- Possible reduction in flight availability as airlines adjust schedules to minimize potential delays.
- Increased administrative burden for airlines to track and manage compensation claims.
- Potential for loopholes or strategies by airlines to avoid compensation obligations.
- May disproportionately affect smaller airlines with fewer resources to manage delays.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill falls under the purview of Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the Constitution. This clause grants Congress the authority to regulate commerce among the states, which includes the regulation of air travel. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).