By David Shepardson
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A group of 77 House Democrats urged the administration of President Donald Trump on Wednesday to reinstate a plan to compensate U.S. air travelers for delays caused by airlines that was championed by his predecessor.
On September 4, the Transportation Department said it would abandon a plan proposed by then Democratic President Joe Biden to require airlines to pay passengers cash compensation when U.S. flight disruptions are caused by carriers.
"Instead of
rolling back this protection for passengers, the Trump administration should be focusing on common sense, bipartisan ways to reduce costs for customers and keep our skies safe," the lawmakers led by Democratic Representatives Greg Stanton and Rick Larsen said. "This decision undermines consumer protections and will only raise the cost of travel."
In December, USDOT under Biden sought public comment on whether airlines should be required to pay $200 to $775 for delays. U.S. airlines sharply criticized the proposal first made by Biden in 2023.
A spokesperson for Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said "the best way to cut endless delays is to fix our broken air traffic control system" and criticized the prior administration's handling of the issue.
USDOT reiterated that it plans to implement consumer protection mandates from Congress and "to ensure the traveling public is treated fairly while also recognizing how overly burdensome regulations will raise ticket prices."
Airlines in the U.S. must refund passengers for canceled flights if passengers choose not to fly, but are not required to compensate customers for delays.
The European Union, Canada, Brazil and Britain all have airline delay compensation rules.
Airlines for America, a trade group representing American Airlines Delta Air Lines United Airlines Southwest Airlines, said Wednesday "airlines’ entire business model is based on satisfied, repeat customers. In this highly competitive industry, carriers don’t need further incentive to provide quality service."
Major U.S. carriers in 2022 committed to paying for meals, hotel stays, and other expenses when they cause significant flight disruptions.
USDOT also disclosed this month is considering rescinding regulations issued under Biden that required airlines to disclose service fees alongside airfare and writing new rules detailing the definition of a flight cancellation that entitles consumers to ticket refunds.
(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chris Reese and Aurora Ellis)
