Passengers disrupted by A320 software update not entitled to airline compensation, USDOT says

Airlines that delayed or cancelled U.S. flights last month due to an emergency government directive to update the software on Airbus A320 planes were not required to provide hotels, meals or other benefits to impacted passengers, the U.S. Transportation Department said Tuesday.

Major airlines have committed to offering such benefits when a cancellation or significant delay is due to circumstances within the control of a carrier. USDOT said the Airbus A320 issue -- which required immediate action under a Federal Aviation Administration directive -- did not trigger the requirement.