Prohibits expiration dates for airline tickets and flight vouchers.

RI Bill Summary: No Expiration Dates on Airline Tickets and Vouchers

This bill would make it illegal for airlines to put expiration dates on airline tickets and flight vouchers issued to customers in Rhode Island. Under current practice, airlines commonly set deadlines — sometimes as short as one year — on unused tickets or travel credits, after which the value is lost if not used. This legislation would prohibit that practice, meaning tickets and vouchers would remain valid and usable indefinitely until the customer chooses to use them.

The bill would primarily affect Rhode Island air travelers who have unused tickets or flight vouchers, such as credits received when a flight was canceled or when a customer chose not to fly. It would also affect airlines that operate in Rhode Island, requiring them to change how they manage and honor these unused tickets and credits. Travelers who have had money tied up in expiring vouchers — particularly those who couldn't travel due to illness, financial hardship, or other life circumstances — would benefit from having more time and flexibility to use what they've already paid for.

Currently, the bill has been referred to the House Corporations Committee and was recommended to be held for further study, meaning lawmakers want to examine it more closely before moving it forward. It is scheduled for a hearing in March 2026. No final vote has been taken, so this is not yet law in Rhode Island.