United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Airlines for America protests new DOT consumer rules
Sunday, 19 Oct, 2016
0
Aviation trade group Airlines for America says part of new rules proposed by the Department of Transportation are unnecessary and will force up the cost of air travel for consumers.
DOT has unveiled a slew of new regulations aimed at strengthening consumer protection for airline passengers which include expanded criteria when reporting on-time performance and changes in how mishandled baggage is reported.
A separate rule which comes into effect in 60 days will ‘prohibit online ticket agents from undisclosed biasing of flight offerings on behalf of certain airlines," DOT said.
This hopes to end the practice of ‘certain agents offering flights based on relationships with certain carriers,’ DOT chief Anthony Foxx said.
"We want to make sure we get as much transparency as possible. The goal is to have a more robust consumer marketplace," Foxx said.
A4A says the industry is already one of the most regulated and won’t enhance the customer experience.
"Customers always know exactly what they are paying for before they buy. Further, the fact that a record number of people are flying underscores that customers are benefiting every day from affordable fares and the ability to choose among carriers, amenities and service options that best meet their needs," said A4A president and CEO Nicholas E. Calio.
"Dictating to the airline industry distribution and commercial practices would only benefit those third parties who distribute tickets, not the flying public."
The group argues airlines have the right to sell their own product where they choose, and the lowest fares are invariably found on the most inexpensive distribution channel—the airlines’ own websites.
"Competition is alive and well in the airline industry, and all pricing information is available to consumer at the click of a button. Consumers have multiple information sources independent of airline sites," Calio added.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Global Tourism Challenges and Upcoming Events: A Conversation with Don Welsh
Peebles Barbeque: A Legacy of Flavor and Tradition
Exploring Bok Tower Gardens with Erica Smith
Rue’s Living Water Boat Cruises: Exploring Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes
Durango and Silverton Railroad: A Timeless Journey Through History and Scenic Beauty
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Dozens of bodies recovered from DC river after midair collision
JetBlue scraps London Gatwick flights
Quake warning in Santorini after hundreds of tremors
Another BA emergency slide mishap
EasyJet forced into flight emergency landing after pilot collapses