U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced a collaborative effort with state attorneys general on Tuesday, aiming to streamline investigations into complaints against airlines and ticket agents.
Currently, the responsibility to enforce passenger protections rests solely with the federal government, leaving state attorneys general with limited authority despite receiving consumer complaints.
Under this new partnership, states will investigate grievances against airlines and promptly refer them to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for priority review and enforcement.
Airlines failing to respond to information requests will be reported by the states, with the DOT granting access to its consumer complaint database.
Buttigieg stressed the need for additional support to address the surge in air travel and escalating complaints against U.S. airlines.
Despite a decrease in flight cancellations, complaints rose notably last year, prompting the Biden administration to prioritize bolstering consumer rights.
Proposed regulations seek mandatory compensation and amenities for flight delays or cancellations caused by airlines, alongside efforts to eliminate ancillary fees.
Buttigieg’s office has actively pursued investigations and imposed penalties for airline misconduct, exemplified by a $140 million fine on Southwest Airlines for widespread flight cancellations during the 2022 holiday season.
This collaborative initiative comes amid projections of record-high passenger traffic in the U.S. this year.
The bipartisan partnership includes 18 states with major airports, including California and New York, with additional states expressing interest.
By combining resources, the initiative aims to enhance consumer protections and expedite the resolution of airline-related grievances.
