DOT Seeks Ideas to Slash Travel Rules and Costs

2026-13805 — Pipeline Safety: Repair Criteria for Hazardous Liquid and Gas Transmission Pipelines

The government wants to update pipeline safety rules to make fixing gas and liquid pipelines smarter, safer, and cheaper. These changes affect pipeline operators who’ll use new tech and clearer guidelines to spot and repair problems faster. Comments are open until September 8, 2026, so get ready to weigh in before the rules get final—and yes, this could save money and prevent accidents!

2026-13675 — Airline Refunds and Other Consumer Protections

If your flight gets a new flight number but still flies on time without big changes, airlines don’t have to treat it as canceled or give you a refund right away. This rule helps airlines and passengers by giving the government more time to update the official cancellation rules. This change affects anyone buying plane tickets and lasts until July 7, 2027.

2026-13450 — Increasing Flexibility on Disclosure of Airline Ancillary Fees

The Department of Transportation is rolling back its 2024 rule about how airlines must share extra fees, like baggage or seat upgrades, with travelers. This change affects airlines and passengers by returning to the older 2011 rules for fee disclosure starting July 2, 2026. It means airlines have more flexibility in how they show these fees, and travelers might see less detailed info for now.

2026-13440 — Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight

The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.

2026-13294 — Enhancing Flexibility of Air Fare Price Advertising

The Department of Transportation wants to make air fare ads more flexible by letting airlines show total prices, including taxes and fees, just as boldly as the parts that make up the fare. This change affects airlines and travelers by making price info clearer and easier to understand. Comments on this proposal are open until July 31, 2026, and it could shake up how airfares are advertised without costing extra money.

2026-13126 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period

The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.

Previous: 2025-05494 — Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; 2025 Black Sea Bass Recreational Management Measures

Starting in 2025, recreational black sea bass fishers in the Northeast will see new rules to keep fishing fun and sustainable. These changes aim to hit the right balance—letting anglers catch enough bass without overfishing. The rules will be announced soon, and everyone gets a chance to share their thoughts before they take effect.

Next: 2025-05636 — Revocation of Class D and Class E4 Airspace; Establishment of Class E2 Airspace; Amendment of Class E5 Airspace Aberdeen, MD

Phillips Army Airfield in Aberdeen, MD is changing its airspace rules because its control tower is closing. They’re removing some old airspace zones and creating a new one to keep flights safe, especially for pilots flying by instruments. These changes help the Army keep things running smoothly without extra costs or delays.