Consumer Groups Raised Airline Issues to the DOT

Air consumer groups want the Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to act on different consumer-based issues in aviation. In a virtual meeting, the air consumer groups want the DOT to ensure airline credits will not expire.

The airline consumer groups are not the first ones to pressure the transportation department to extend flight credit expiry and issue cash refunds to their consumers. Last month, lawmakers demanded the transport department to act on consumer-centered issues such as extending the flight credits’ expiry.

Aside from the flight credits, the consumer groups also want to get rid of the seat selection fees. This practice has prevented families from sitting in one row. In an email by the DOT, “In keeping with the Administration’s and the Secretary’s commitment to strengthening rights of consumers the Secretary will meet with consumer groups”.  The participants were pleased that Buttigieg agreed to have a meeting with them.

Pro-Consumer Approach by the Biden Administration

Consumers were optimistic when President Joe Biden issued an executive order earlier this month. The executive order directs the Department of Transportation to come up with rules requiring airlines to refund baggage fees for delayed luggage and other services that weren’t used.

Paul Hudson, the founder of Flyers Rights said that “We’re definitely seeing an openness to talk”. He also added that “Talking the talk is one thing. Walking the walk is another”.

No Expiry on Credits?

Airlines removed ticket change fees during the start of the pandemic. Also, flight credits’ expiry was extended into 2022. The consumer groups want to remove the expiry on these credits.

Delta Air Lines on Wednesday announced that they are removing change fees for their no-frills basic economy tickets. This is in effect through the end of 2021. The reason for this move is to alleviate the long wait times that passengers experience when they call Delta’s call centers.

Refund Issue

Because of the pandemic, a good number of travelers have canceled their flights. Travelers are entitled to get refunds if the airlines cancel their flights. However, this is not necessarily the case when the passengers do.

Kurt Ebenhoch who is the executive director of Travel Fairness Now thinks that travelers should still be getting refunds even if they cancel the trips during the pandemic. He said that “It’s incredible to say no to someone about a refund when that same taxpayer is funding your survival”. Ebenhoch refers to the $54 billion aid given to the airline industry.