Originally Posted by
garykung
Actually both.
Actually no.
DOT regulations are generally based on either the origin or destination (one has to be within the U.S., including territories).
EC regulations are generally based on both the origin and the airline's country of registration (either one within EU).
Generally, to ensure compliance, airlines will comply the law that is more restrictive to its operations. So if NZ government says vouchers work but not USDOT, then NZ will follow USDOT regulations for anyone who are covered, and follow NZ government's policy for those who are not covered by USDOT regulations.
And really, why wouldn't they?
You apply what is deemed applicable to the local territory once it is made clear, if they gave out refunds to every man and his dog (around 200,000 flight tickets last time I read) straight off the bat, Air NZ wouldn't exist next month - just look at how may of their pilots have just lost their jobs. We haven't even heard about FA or ground crew layoff numbers yet.