Senator Markey to Join Consumer Reports, U.S. PIRG and Activist on Telephone Press Conference on Calling for Full Cash Refunds for Cancelled Airline Flights

Consumer Reports and U.S. PIRG will host a news conference via Zoom on Wednesday, May 13 to announce the delivery of petitions to airlines calling on them to provide customers with a full refund for all cancelled flights during the coronavirus crisis. The groups will be joined by Senator Edward Markey, who will discuss his efforts on holding airlines accountable for cash refunds, as well as a consumer who organized a fast-growing airline refund petition.

Despite receiving a $50 billion taxpayer-funded industry bailout as part of the CARES Act passed by Congress, the majority of airlines are only offering vouchers instead of refunds to passengers who cancelled their flights because of concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.  While passengers on flights cancelled by the airlines are entitled to a full refund under federal law, some carriers are offering vouchers as the default option, forcing passengers to take extra steps to get the cash refund they deserve.

WHAT: Airline refund news conference via Zoom

WHEN: Wednesday, May 13, 2020, 10:30 am EST

WHO: Senator Edward Markey (D-Mass.)

           Anna Laitin, Director of Financial Policy, Consumer Reports

           Janet Domenitz, U.S. PIRG Board Chair & MASSPIRG Executive Director

           Jennifer Stansfield Marek, petition organizer

TO JOIN: Login to the news conference at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88145978592 with password 974115 or by calling (301) 715-8592 and using Webinar ID: 881 4597 8592.

PLEASE NOTE:  Consumer Reports can connect reporters with consumers who are frustrated that they could only get vouchers for cancelled flights instead of cash refunds. For more information, contact Michael McCauley ([email protected])