As travellers right across the United States continue to face delays and disruptions at the airport, the government is pushing airlines to do more
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is urging the nation’s 10 largest carriers to do more, calling the level of disruption travellers have faced this summer “unacceptable.”
Buttigieg is warning the government is contemplating new rules that “would further expand the rights of airline passengers,” like requiring refunds for delayed baggage.
Buttigieg said 24 percent of domestic flights have been delayed in the first half of the year, and urged airlines to assess customer service plans to better help customers facing flight delays or cancellations.
He asked airlines, “at a minimum to provide meal vouchers for delays of 3 hours or more and lodging accommodations for passengers who must wait overnight at an airport because of disruptions within the carrier’s control.”
Trade group Airlines for America said in a statement (quote) “Airlines want travelers to have a safe, seamless and positive travel experience and are working toward that goal every day.”
As of now, U.S. airlines are not legally required to provide meals or hotel rooms amid flight disruptions.
The Transportation Secretary is facing pressure from U.S. lawmakers who want him to do more to force airlines to provide better service.
Airlines say they have voluntarily reduced flights to improve service, ramped up hiring and argue that inadequate air traffic control staffing has routinely impacted flights.
