Airlines for America protests new DOT consumer rules
Sunday, 19 Oct, 2016
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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.
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