The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has initiated efforts to persuade the current U.S. administration to reverse certain regulatory decisions made by the Department of Transportation (DOT) during the Obama and Biden administrations. IATA’s recent filing, published by the DOT on February 11, addresses Sean Duffy, Secretary of Transportation, and congratulates him on his confirmation.
IATA claims that during President Donald Trump’s first term, there was a strong commitment to the Airline Deregulation Act (ADA) of 1978, which promotes free market principles. However, they argue that “the Biden Administration parlayed its limited authority to protect air passengers from ‘unfair and deceptive’ practices by airlines into an unprecedented regulatory regime more prescriptive than that applied to any other mode of transportation.”
According to IATA, these regulations have often ignored the realities of airline operations and stifled innovation. They state that since 2009, over 11 significant passenger rights and accessibility rules were issued without adequate understanding or demonstration of benefits exceeding costs.
In their letter to Secretary Duffy, IATA calls for modifications or termination of six regulations related to passenger rights. They argue against the ‘Airline passenger rights’ advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) and ‘Competition in Air Transportation’ request for information (RFI), claiming these mirror European and Canadian regulations that have not improved operations but increased costs.
IATA also seeks changes regarding fees and refunds. They criticize the reinstatement of a ‘junk fee’ rule under Biden’s administration after it was terminated by Trump. Additionally, they challenge a rule mandating transferable travel credits valid for five years as unsound policy based on COVID-era complaints.
Modifications are also suggested for the ‘family seating’ rule and disability rights regulations. IATA contends Congress did not mandate DOT’s involvement in family seating arrangements and criticizes unrealistic proposals affecting passengers with disabilities.
Furthermore, IATA advocates raising the mandatory pilot retirement age from 65, arguing it constitutes age discrimination. The association also supports funding modernization efforts for the National Aviation System (NAS) and encourages staffing enhancements at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The Airlines for America (A4A) launched its lobbying campaign on February 5 with similar requests. A4A urges imposing a memorandum titled ‘Regulatory Freeze Pending Review’ on ongoing regulatory processes at DOT.
“The purpose of the Freeze Memo is to ensure that President Trump’s new Department heads (or their designees) have an opportunity to review and approve any new or pending regulatory actions,” A4A stated.
Secretary Sean Duffy previously warned about safety concerns if focus shifts away from essential systems.
