Frank Lorenzo criticizes Biden administration's aviation regulations

The Airline Deregulation Act pre-empts state regulation and common law contract claims against airlines. As such, DOT is responsible for setting and enforcing standards due to this federal oversight. Lorenzo criticizes some aspects of recent DOT fee regulations but suggests focusing on more relevant consumer information like inflight wifi quality or meal availability.

He also points out other costly regulations faced by airlines but notes that eliminating regulation without addressing liability protections is not a solution. He argues that government control over airports, security, air traffic control, slot controls, and domestic ownership rules contributes to inefficiencies and higher costs in the airline industry.

Lorenzo calls for revisiting certain features of the Deregulation Act and reducing government-imposed distortions that negatively impact air travel. He cites examples like Legend Airlines being regulated into bankruptcy to protect incumbent carriers as evidence of bureaucratic protectionism stifling competition.