DOT: No hotel/meals owed for recall disruptions

The U.S. Department of Transportation said Dec. 11 that airlines are not required to cover passenger expenses like hotels, meals, or ground transportation when flights are disrupted by manufacturer aircraft recalls or groundings. The clarification, following recent Airbus A320-family issues, still leaves passengers eligible for refunds on canceled flights under federal rules; Twin Cities travelers at MSP should expect airlines may offer goodwill aid but are not obligated to pay incidental costs in recall situations.