1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am concerned about the recent decision to eliminate the Biden-era rule that would have required airlines to provide streamlined refunds for significant flight disruptions. This rollback of consumer protections is a step backward for transparency, efficiency, and fairness in air travel. The rule entitles passengers to refunds for canceled flights, delays over three hours, changes in departure or arrival airports, and increases in connecting flights. It also includes provisions for timely refunds of checked bag fees and unprovided extra services. These protections are not just reasonable; they are essential for maintaining trust between airlines and their customers. The Transportation Department's claim that it lacks authority to implement these rules is troubling. Consumer protection is a fundamental responsibility of government agencies, especially in industries as crucial as air travel. The argument that airlines should compete on services and compensation without federal requirements ignores the reality of limited competition in the airline industry and the power imbalance between corporations and individual consumers. While the department argues that forced compensation would impose significant costs on airlines and potentially consumers, it fails to consider the current costs borne by passengers due to disruptions and lack of guaranteed compensation. Large U.S. airlines do not currently guarantee cash compensation for significant flight disruptions, leaving many travelers stranded and out-of-pocket. The claim that airlines have strong incentives to take care of passengers during disruptions and do so voluntarily is not supported by the experiences of countless travelers. Voluntary commitments have proven insufficient, as evidenced by the persistent complaints and frustrations of air passengers. I urge you to take immediate action to reinstate and strengthen consumer protections in air travel. Specifically, I ask that you challenge the Transportation Department's decision and push for the implementation of the originally proposed refund rules. Additionally, introduce legislation that would codify these consumer protections into law, ensuring that they cannot be easily dismantled by administrative decisions. Finally, investigate the true economic impact of these protections on both airlines and consumers, considering the long-term benefits of increased consumer confidence in air travel. Protecting consumer rights is not just about individual travelers; it's about maintaining a fair and efficient transportation system that benefits our economy as a whole. By ensuring that airlines are held accountable for their services, we can foster competition, improve on-time performance, and ultimately create a more reliable and consumer-friendly air travel industry. The time to act is now. Millions of Americans rely on air travel for business and personal reasons, and they deserve strong protections against unfair practices. I look forward to your response and action on this issue.