The Biden administration has partnered with officials in 15 states to enforce consumer-protection laws for airline travelers, a task typically handled by the federal government. This collaboration aims to address the current surge in air travel and ensure that passenger rights are respected. State attorney general offices will be empowered to investigate complaints related to airline services and refer cases to the Transportation Department for enforcement if necessary. In return, the states will have access to the DOT’s consumer-complaint system and receive training on federal consumer laws regarding airlines.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of this partnership in holding airlines accountable and protecting passengers’ rights. He highlighted instances where travelers faced challenges such as flight cancellations and exorbitant rebooking fees, citing them as violations of passenger rights that need to be addressed. The agreement, signed as a “memorandum of understanding,” involves states such as California, New York, and Illinois, as well as others like Colorado, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Buttigieg, a Democrat, framed this collaboration as bipartisan, despite limited Republican participation, expressing hope for additional state involvement in the future.
While federal law currently reserves the regulation of consumer-protection laws covering airlines for the federal government, consumer advocates have called for expanded enforcement powers at the state level. Despite efforts to include such provisions in FAA-related legislation, Congress has not yet taken action in this regard. State officials, like Colorado’s Attorney General Philip Weiser, have highlighted the importance of state involvement in investigating airline-related complaints and enforcing consumer-protection laws. Weiser expressed appreciation for the new partnership with the federal government while advocating for Congress to formally grant states the authority to regulate these laws.
Consumer groups have welcomed the agreement between the Biden administration and state officials as a step toward better protection for airline passengers. William McGee, an aviation expert at the American Economic Liberties Project, lauded the collaboration as a means to support the DOT in handling a high volume of passenger complaints. He emphasized that this partnership should be viewed as states assisting the federal government rather than challenging its authority. Airlines for America, a trade group representing major U.S. carriers, acknowledged the role of state attorneys general in advocating for consumer rights and pledged to continue working with them to improve the customer experience for all passengers.
Overall, the collaboration between the federal government and states in enforcing consumer-protection laws for airline travelers signifies a significant step towards enhancing passenger rights and holding airlines accountable for their services. By empowering state officials to investigate complaints and refer cases to the DOT, this partnership aims to address the increasing challenges faced by travelers and ensure that their rights are respected. While some advocate for formal legislation granting states enforcement powers, the current agreement has been praised as a positive development in the realm of airline consumer protection. The involvement of both federal and state entities underscores the importance of cooperative efforts in safeguarding the interests of airline passengers.
