S 1679119th CongressIn Committee

FLIGHT Act

Introduced: May 8, 2025

InfrastructureTechnology & Innovation

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The FLIGHT Act, introduced in the Senate on May 8, 2025 by Mr. Scott of Florida, would add a new statutory requirement for passenger notifications when flights are delayed. Specifically, it amends title 49 of the U.S. Code to require “covered air carriers” to notify every passenger on a flight if there is a delayed departure or taxi delay of 15 minutes or more. Notifications must be sent at least every 15 minutes until the delay ends, delivered by email or text message, and must include an updated estimated departure/arrival time and a mechanism for passengers to opt out of these notifications for that flight. A clerical amendment adds the new section to the chapter’s table of provisions. The goal is to improve transparency and reduce passenger uncertainty during delays.

Key Points

1Creates new statute: Adds Section 42309, “Passenger notification of delayed flights,” to Title 49, United States Code.
2Trigger for notification: Applies to domestic or international flights operated by a “covered air carrier” when there is a delayed departure or taxi delay of 15 minutes or more.
3Notification frequency: Requires updates to be sent at least every 15 minutes until the delay ends.
4Delivery method: Must be sent to each passenger via email or text message.
5Content and opt-out: Notifications must include the new estimated time of departure/arrival and a mechanism for passengers to opt out of receiving such notifications for that flight.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: Passengers on flights operated by covered air carriers, who would receive continuous delay notifications.Secondary group/area affected: Covered air carriers (airlines and other operators defined under 49 U.S.C. §42307), which would need systems for mass, timely notifications and opt-out management.Additional impacts:- Operational and IT/compliance costs for airlines to implement or scale notification systems.- Potential privacy and data handling considerations for contact information used to deliver notices.- Relationship to or alignment with existing delay/tarmac rules and consumer protections; the bill codifies a broad notification requirement into statute, which may affect how delays are communicated across the industry.

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