Airfare price hikes capped at 30% during declared disasters
In committeeH.R. 5502Latest action
Sponsor: Nydia M. Velázquez · Representative · NY
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: AirFAIR Act
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 5502 bans airlines and ticket sellers from raising fares 30% or more above normal during declared disasters or emergencies.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 5502 would prohibit airlines and ticket sellers from raising airfare prices by 30% or more above normal levels during a declared disaster or emergency. The Department of Transportation would write rules defining what counts as an excessive price increase, using 30% as the minimum threshold. Violations would be treated as unfair and deceptive business practices under existing federal law.
Who does it affect?
The bill would directly affect airlines, online travel booking sites, and any other businesses that sell plane tickets. Travelers buying tickets during disasters or emergencies, especially those evacuating, would also be affected.
Why does it matter?
People in disaster-prone areas, such as those facing hurricanes or wildfires, often need last-minute flights urgently, making them vulnerable to sharp price increases. The bill also directs the FAA to study whether this kind of pricing has already occurred during past disasters and report findings to Congress within one year.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedSep 18, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Sep 19, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.