Initiative in San Lázaro against automatic cancellations
Federal deputy Rubén Moreira Valdez presented an initiative to modify the Civil Aviation Law. The proposal seeks to prevent airlines from automatically canceling return or connecting flights when a passenger does not board the first leg of an already paid itinerary.
The coordinator of the PRI bench explained that this practice affects thousands of users for reasons beyond their control: family emergencies, health problems, delays in other transportation or unexpected changes. Missing their initial flight, they discover that their remaining tickets have been cancelled.
“Currently the law allows airlines to cancel subsequent segments if the passenger does not inform within the first 24 hours that they will use the remaining flights,” Moreira Valdez said. “This condition is little known and forces many to buy new tickets at high prices.”
The proposal establishes that airlines must respect the validity of all contracted flights. They may only cancel a section when the passenger expressly states that they will no longer use it. This seeks to eliminate the burden that falls on travelers today.
The legislator assured that the reform would strengthen consumer rights and generate a more balanced relationship between passengers and airlines. It would also provide greater certainty and avoid additional expenses for a practice that, he considered, harms those who have already paid for the service.
The initiative was turned over to the Transportation Commission for analysis. If approved, airlines will have to adjust their cancellation policies.
