US Airline Companies to Face Accountability for Delays and Cancellations
US President Joe Biden and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg have announced steps to protect consumers and reduce costs when it comes to flight cancellations and delays in the airline industry. Speaking from the White House, Biden acknowledged the importance of the airline industry to the economy, but also noted that many American consumers have been disappointed with the service they receive from US airlines.
Biden stated that recent disruptions in the industry have caused unacceptable suffering for many people, and announced that if flight cancellations or delays are caused by the airline companies’ fault, they will cover the costs of re-booking, hotel accommodations, and meals. This move is aimed at helping middle and lower class families who may be disproportionately affected by such disruptions.
Additionally, Biden pointed to a study showing that the European Union obliges airlines to compensate passengers for flight delays, which helps to reduce the number of delays. He also announced that major airlines have agreed to allow parents to sit side by side with their children for free.
Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg highlighted the role of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in using new technologies to determine more efficient flight routes that reduce time and cost. He stressed that airline companies must accept their responsibilities in order to provide better service to passengers, with consequences otherwise.
These measures reflect the Biden administration’s commitment to protecting consumers and improving the functioning of the airline industry. The move is likely to be welcomed by many Americans who have experienced frustration and economic hardship due to flight delays and cancellations in recent years.
