Senator Rick Scott’s FLIGHT Act Mandates Improved Flight Status Updates

Key Takeaways

• Senator Rick Scott introduced the FLIGHT Act on May 8, 2025, to improve passenger updates during flight delays.
• The bill requires airlines to notify passengers every 15 minutes during delays via email or text message.
• As of May 26, 2025, the FLIGHT Act is under Senate Committee review without cosponsors or a vote scheduled.

On May 8, 2025, Senator Rick Scott introduced a new bill in the United States 🇺🇸 Senate called the Frequent Logistics Information for Grounded and Held Travelers (FLIGHT) Act. This proposed law aims to make airlines give passengers better, more frequent updates when flights are delayed. The FLIGHT Act (S.1679, 119th Congress) is currently being reviewed by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. As of May 26, 2025, the bill has not yet moved forward for a vote, and no other lawmakers have signed on as cosponsors.

This news comes at a time when air travelers across the United States 🇺🇸 are voicing frustration about being left in the dark during delays. Senator Rick Scott says his bill is a “simple solution to bring transparency for passengers and make traveling a little less annoying for families.” The FLIGHT Act would require airlines to notify passengers every 15 minutes about the status of delayed flights, using email or text messages. Passengers would also have the option to opt out of these updates if they prefer.

Let’s take a closer look at what the FLIGHT Act proposes, why it matters, and how it could affect passengers, airlines, and the broader travel industry.

What Does the FLIGHT Act Require?

The FLIGHT Act sets out clear rules for how airlines must communicate with passengers when flights are delayed. Here are the main points:

• Notification Trigger: Airlines must send a notification to passengers when a flight is delayed by 15 minutes or more.
• Update Frequency: After the first notification, airlines must send updates every 15 minutes until the flight is ready to take off.
• Notification Methods: Updates must be sent by email or text message.
• Content of Notifications: Each message must include the latest estimated departure and arrival times.
• Opt-Out Option: Passengers can choose not to receive these notifications for a specific flight.
• Scope: The rules apply to all “covered air carriers” operating domestic or international flights from U.S. airports.
• Legal Amendment: The bill would change Title 49 of the United States Code, which is the main law covering transportation.

If the FLIGHT Act becomes law, airlines will need to upgrade their systems to make sure they can send these frequent, accurate updates to all passengers.

Why Is This Bill Being Proposed Now?

Travelers have long complained about poor communication from airlines during delays. Many people have experienced sitting in airport terminals or on planes, waiting for updates that never come or are confusing. This lack of information can make an already stressful situation even worse, especially for families, people with connecting flights, or those with tight schedules.

Senator Rick Scott says the FLIGHT Act is designed to fix this problem. In his words: “My new bill, the FLIGHT Act, aims to reduce that frustration by requiring airlines, in the case of flight delays, to provide passengers an update every 15 minutes until their flight is ready for takeoff. This is a simple solution to bring transparency for passengers and make traveling a little less annoying for families.”

The bill also builds on recent rules from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), which now require airlines to give automatic refunds for significant delays or cancellations. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the FLIGHT Act is part of a larger push to give passengers more rights and clearer information when things go wrong.

How Would the FLIGHT Act Work in Practice?

If the FLIGHT Act is passed and signed into law, here’s how the process would work step by step:

1. Delay Occurs: A flight is delayed by 15 minutes or more.
2. Initial Notification: The airline sends a message (by email or text) to all passengers on the flight, letting them know about the delay.
3. Ongoing Updates: Every 15 minutes, the airline must send another update with the latest estimated departure and arrival times, until the flight actually leaves.
4. Opt-Out Mechanism: If a passenger does not want to receive these updates, they can choose to opt out for that specific flight.

This system would apply to all airlines flying from U.S. airports, whether the flight is within the United States 🇺🇸 or going to another country.

Who Would Be Affected by the FLIGHT Act?

The FLIGHT Act would have a direct impact on several groups:

Passengers
– More Information: Passengers would get regular, real-time updates about delays, helping them plan better.
– Less Stress: Knowing what’s happening can reduce anxiety and frustration during delays.
– Better Decisions: With up-to-date information, travelers can decide whether to rebook, look for other flights, or make changes to their plans.
– Opt-Out Option: People who don’t want frequent messages can choose not to receive them.

Airlines
– New Requirements: Airlines would need to set up or improve systems to send out these notifications every 15 minutes.
– IT Upgrades: Some airlines may need to invest in better technology to meet the new rules.
– Operational Costs: There could be extra costs for managing and maintaining these systems.
– Compliance: Airlines would have to make sure they follow the law to avoid penalties.

Consumer Advocates
– Support: Groups that represent travelers have long called for better communication from airlines. They see the FLIGHT Act as a positive step.

Regulators
– Enforcement: The Department of Transportation would likely be responsible for making sure airlines follow the new rules.

Background: Why Is Airline Communication Such a Big Issue?

For years, air travelers have complained about being left “in the dark” during delays. Sometimes, passengers wait for hours with little or no information about when their flight will leave. This can be especially hard for families with children, people with disabilities, or those who have connecting flights.

Past laws and rules have focused on things like refunds, compensation for long tarmac delays, and limits on how long passengers can be kept on planes. However, there has not been a law that requires airlines to give frequent, regular updates during delays. The FLIGHT Act is the first bill to focus specifically on this issue.

The push for better communication comes after the DOT’s 2024 rules, which made it easier for passengers to get automatic refunds for long delays or cancellations. The FLIGHT Act would add another layer of protection by making sure passengers are kept informed in real time.

What Are the Main Arguments For and Against the FLIGHT Act?

Supporters Say:
– Transparency: Passengers deserve to know what’s happening with their flights.
– Reduced Stress: Frequent updates can make travel less frustrating.
– Empowerment: More information helps people make better choices.
– Simple Solution: The technology already exists; it’s just a matter of using it more effectively.

Potential Concerns:
– Operational Burden: Airlines may face extra costs to upgrade systems and manage notifications.
– Notification Fatigue: Some passengers may find updates every 15 minutes to be too much, though the opt-out option addresses this.
– Implementation: Airlines may need time to adjust and make sure their systems work smoothly.

So far, no major U.S. airlines have made official statements about the FLIGHT Act. Industry experts say that while there will be some costs, most airlines already have notification systems in place, so the technical challenge is not very high.

How Does the FLIGHT Act Fit Into the Bigger Picture?

The FLIGHT Act is part of a larger movement to improve passenger rights and make air travel less stressful. In recent years, lawmakers and regulators have focused on making airlines more accountable to their customers. Some of the key changes include:

• Automatic Refunds: The DOT now requires airlines to give refunds for significant delays or cancellations.
• Tarmac Delay Rules: There are limits on how long passengers can be kept on planes during delays.
• Compensation: Some rules require airlines to compensate passengers for certain types of delays or problems.

The FLIGHT Act would add to these protections by making sure passengers are kept informed every step of the way. If the bill becomes law, it could set a new standard for real-time communication not just in the United States 🇺🇸, but around the world.

What Happens Next?

Right now, the FLIGHT Act is being reviewed by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The next steps are:

1. Committee Review: The committee will study the bill, possibly hold hearings, and decide whether to move it forward.
2. Senate Vote: If the committee approves, the full Senate will vote on the bill.
3. House Consideration: If the Senate passes the bill, it goes to the House of Representatives for another vote.
4. Presidential Signature: If both chambers pass the bill, it goes to the President to be signed into law.

During this process, lawmakers may suggest changes to the bill, such as adjusting how often updates are sent or changing which flights are covered. Airlines and other groups may also lobby for more time to comply or for other changes.

For the most up-to-date information on the bill’s progress, you can visit the official Congress.gov page for S.1679.

What Should Passengers and Airlines Do Now?

For Passengers:
– Stay Informed: Watch for updates from lawmakers and the DOT about new passenger rights.
– Know Your Rights: Even before the FLIGHT Act, you have rights to refunds and compensation in some cases. Check the DOT’s Fly Rights page for details.
– Give Feedback: If you support or oppose the FLIGHT Act, you can contact your senators or representatives.

For Airlines:
– Review Systems: Airlines should look at their current notification systems and see what upgrades might be needed.
– Plan for Compliance: If the bill passes, airlines will need to act quickly to follow the new rules.
– Communicate with Passengers: Even before the law changes, better communication can improve customer satisfaction.

Summary Table: Key Facts About the FLIGHT Act

Looking Ahead: What Could Change for Air Travelers?

If the FLIGHT Act becomes law, it could make a big difference for anyone flying from a U.S. airport. Passengers would get regular, reliable updates during delays, making it easier to plan and reducing the stress of not knowing what’s happening. Airlines would need to invest in better systems, but the end result could be happier customers and fewer complaints.

The FLIGHT Act is still early in the legislative process, and it’s possible that changes will be made before it becomes law. Lawmakers, airlines, and consumer groups will all have a say in how the final rules look.

For now, travelers can follow the bill’s progress and share their opinions with lawmakers. Airlines can start preparing for possible changes by reviewing their current communication systems.

For more information about the FLIGHT Act and other passenger rights, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection page.

As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Senator Rick Scott’s FLIGHT Act has put the spotlight on the need for better, more frequent communication between airlines and passengers. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, an airline employee, or just planning your next family vacation, these changes could soon make your travel experience a little smoother.

Learn Today

FLIGHT Act → Proposed US law requiring airlines to send frequent flight delay updates to passengers.
Senator → An elected member of the US Senate involved in making and reviewing laws.
Notification → A message sent to inform passengers about flight delay status and updated times.
Title 49 → Section of the United States Code regulating transportation, amended by the FLIGHT Act.
Opt-Out → Passenger’s right to decline receiving frequent flight delay notifications for a specific flight.

This Article in a Nutshell

The FLIGHT Act aims to give passengers frequent, clear updates during flight delays. Introduced by Senator Rick Scott in 2025, it mandates notifications every 15 minutes via email or text, improving travel transparency and reducing passenger frustration nationwide if passed into law.
— By VisaVerge.com