EXCLUSIVE: DOT Drops Previous Definition of ‘Significant Delay’ for Travelers
How does Charlie Kirk's murder connect to travel? Is Metro-Atlanta getting another airport? Unlock all this in more in today's edition of Gate Access • Sep 22, 2025
Happy Monday. I started writing this newsletter in 2023, and it’s truly been an exhilarating journey — but I’ve been feeling a little fatigued and uninspired over the last couple of months. During this slump, I’ve been thinking about how I can reimagine Gate Access so that I don’t find myself in a creative drought again.
Travel will always be the root of this newsletter. Sharing information about flight and security rights will always be the flagship topic — but I’m more than just travel rights. I want to step out of the box of what a traditional travel newsletter is “supposed” to look like and create something so unorthodox it’s hard to categorize.
With that being said, I would like to thank you for trusting and supporting this work. Now I ask that you grow with me. Welcome to a refreshed version of Gate Access.
Today’s issue is free, but future issues will have higher paywalls. If you enjoy reading this newsletter, please upgrade to a paid subscription today.
Tip of the Day: At this point, I’m sure you know you can leave your shoes on at TSA, but that doesn’t mean that your shoes will stay on all the time. Specific shoes can still set off an alarm and may need to be removed. Always have socks or shoe covers handy to place on your feet in case you encounter this situation.
On The Radar 👀
A quick round-up of travel updates and stories you should know.
🟢 Charlie Kirk’s murder has ignited debates around freedom of speech.
Charlie Kirk's assassination has fueled a massive debate on whether our freedom of speech is under attack or not. Last week, Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show was placed on pause due to comments he made live on-air, amplifying the debate and leading to thousands to unsubscribe from Hulu and Disney+ in solidarity with Kimmel. Now this is beginning to trickle down to you and me by way of travel.
The GOP has introduced a major bill (H.R. 5300) that has a controversial provision (Section 226) that would allow the Secretary of State to revoke or deny passports for individuals whom the Secretary determines have “knowingly aided … a foreign terrorist organization.” This bill is receiving backlash from civil activists, and for good reason. It could potentially open the door to revoking passports based on social media activity. The committee is set to meet on Wednesday to discuss the bill further.
Stay tuned for an update after the meeting concludes.
🟢 Beyonce says girls run the world, but who runs Atlanta’s airport?
Does Atlanta need another airport? At a recent press event, Ed Bastian (CEO of Delta Air Lines) had this to say about the question: "A single airport in Atlanta has been one of the keys to our city's success, and it’s going to be vital to its future.”
You know how every parent has their favorite child? Delta is Hartsfield-Jackson’s favorite child, so whatever Delta wants, Delta gets! Speaking of Delta Air Lines and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, I’ll be reporting on them more. Hartsfield is the busiest airport in the world and is often the first to pilot new programs that expand airport-wide. I’m frequently privy to developments before the larger media gains access to the information, so I’m going to lean into that more.
🟢 I know the plane is on fire… but.. let me grab my purse first!
The FAA is urging airlines to develop a more effective system for informing passengers that they must leave carry-on items behind during an emergency evacuation.
Could locked overhead bins be something in the near future? It may actually happen. This is the first time the FAA has singled out this issue, to my knowledge, so it’ll be interesting to see what airlines come up with. I’ll be following.
🟢 It’s not October yet, but it’s looking pretty spooky for Spirit Airlines.
Spirit Airlines pilots are being told to “explore all available options,” due to the airline's fragile financial position. This direction is coming from Capt. Ryan P. Muller, the chair of the Spirit Airlines Master Executive Council (MEC) of the Air Line Pilots Association.
If you fly Spirit, I wouldn’t book out too far with them right now. Long-term planning isn’t a great move as it’s unclear if they’ll even make it to Thanksgiving.
🟢 Hey New Yorkers… this is a gate you can’t jump.
Clear has expanded eGates to LaGuardia Airport. If you have Clear, you’re now able to use these lanes in both Lagaurdia and Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta.
I have Clear, but I haven’t used these gates just yet. I’m hearing mixed reviews, but I’ll reserve my commentary until I experience it myself.
🟢 Let’s forget we ever said it…
The DOT has rescinded its explanation of what constitutes a significant delay. The new explanation reads:
DOT has not specifically defined what constitutes a “significant delay.” Whether you are entitled to a refund depends on many factors – including the length of the delay, the length of the flight, and your particular circumstances. DOT determines whether you are entitled to a refund following a significant delay on a case-by-case basis.
This is yet another sneaky and disappointing blow to travel protections. In 2024, the DOT finally explained in detail what constitutes a significant delay. Three hours or more for domestic flights and six hours or more for international flights. Now, they have entirely removed that definition, and travelers are left with this vague text.
🗓️ When To Expect This Newsletter
I’m changing up how this newsletter is released. From now on, each edition will end with the date you can expect the next one. I’m making this shift because some topics require more time to research, and I’d rather deliver well-researched, high-quality issues than rush something out just to stick to a rigid schedule.
The next Gate Access release will land in your inbox on Wednesday, Sep 24, 2025.