In a recent session of the White House Competition Council, US President Joe Biden floated a set of fresh regulations to be enforced on the US air transportation sector. These regulations, if sanctioned, would necessitate the various airlines to enhance transparency with patrons regarding their charges, specifically undisclosed fees related to services like flight cancellations or luggage checks.
As per a preliminary version, the regulation dictates that airlines “must unveil upfront – when an airfare is first exhibited – any charges imposed for selecting seats with minors, altering or nullifying reservations, and for checked or carry-on baggage.”
Biden contended that these newly proposed regulations would enhance rivalry among airlines, subsequently proving advantageous for the industry as a whole. “Capitalism devoid of competition isn’t true capitalism,” he expressed. “It’s exploitation.”
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg echoed Biden’s viewpoint, emphasizing that every individual purchasing an air ticket deserves to be acquainted with the comprehensive cost of the service. “This fresh proposed regulation would mandate airlines to be forthright with clients regarding the charges they levy, fostering informed decision-making by travelers and enabling them to save money,” he remarked.
President Joe Biden will reveal a new strategy that will eventually enable consumers to perceive a more comprehensive price on airline tickets — covering baggage and alteration fees — pre-purchase.https://t.co/TOmFWii2m3
— WSYX ABC 6 (@wsyx6) September 26, 2022
Responding to CNN, the trade association Airlines For America remarked that “A4A member commercial airlines – who are fierce rivals – already furnish transparency to clients from initial search to touchdown. US airlines are devoted to delivering premium service quality, including explicitness concerning rates, charges, and ticket stipulations.”
“A4A commercial airlines supply a breakdown of airfare details on their online platforms, providing clients with lucidity on the overall ticket cost. This encompasses clarity on taxes and governmental fees attached to air tickets, constituting over 20% of many domestic one-stop, roundtrip tickets.”
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