US DOT targets airlines over passenger refunds
The US administrations concluded investigations into 10 airlines accused of short-changing customers over delay compensation and refunds.
The US Transportation Department will soon take enforcement action, a DOT official said.
“We’re also going to enforce passenger and consumer rights,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told Fox News.
“We’ll collaborate with airlines when they’re ready to take steps that are positive and proactive, whether that’s improvements in pay that are helping with hiring or flexibility in customer service,” Buttigieg said.
Buttigieg hasn’t identified the airlines, although some have previously gone through enforcement action.
Air Canada last year finally agreed to settle for $4.5 million for violating US consumer law in not providing refunds.
“We look forward to working with the federal government to identify and resolve shared challenges to minimize disruptions,” trade group Airlines for America said,
The DOT said it will issue new rules on refunds for travelers unable to travel due to government restrictions.
It says current regulations do not meet refund eligibility during special circumstances like when travel restrictions are imposed by governments
Buttigieg said: “We’ve seen some improvement over the course of the summer, but still not an acceptable level in terms of performance, cancellation and delays.”
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