Quantcast

Airline executives criticize DOT regulations; Buttigieg defends passenger protections

Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Pigeons Cause Chaos on Delta Flight
United Airlines’ Uniforms Get A Facelift—And A Political Filter
United Continues to Face Catering Chaos at San Francisco
Passenger Stows Away on Delta Flight from New York to Paris
Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Ryanair forecasts fare rebound as consumers recover from interest-rate hit
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Winning routes: American Airlines adds more than 22,000 seats for football fans following release of 2025–2026 pro schedule
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
Qatar Airways places record $96 billion Boeing order amid Trump visit
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
American Airlines Tests New Tech to Help Passengers With Tight Connections During Summer Rush
Flight Diverted After Pregnant Woman on Board Goes into Labor and Delivers Her Baby: Report
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says "this is the most optimistic I've been in my entire career about finally getting the FAA fixed"
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unveils Plan to Build Brand New, State-of-the-Art Air Traffic Control System
Passenger rushing for next flight can't believe what woman next to her does
Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Frontier Airlines Announces New Routes Launching This Summer, Connecting Baltimore With Chicago O’Hare and Trenton, N.J. With Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Airlines in North America prioritize investments in cyber, AI
The evolution of the airline uniform — a cross check
Airline executives criticize DOT regulations; Buttigieg defends passenger protections
Policy
Webp 9d8e4n9zvnq6npvse1f7c4oouh5n
Airbus A380 | Airbus

In recent years, the Biden administration has implemented laws aimed at enhancing passenger rights. However, airline executives have expressed concerns about these regulations, viewing them as excessive. They anticipate that the incoming Trump administration will adopt a more business-friendly approach.

Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines leaders have openly criticized the Department of Transportation (DOT) under President Biden for introducing rules that they claim disadvantage airlines while benefiting passengers. Delta's CEO Ed Bastian remarked on the potential shift in regulatory focus with the new administration: “[We expect the new administration] take a fresh look at the regulatory environment, the bureaucracy that exists in government, the level of overreach that we have seen over the last four years within our industry."

The DOT's recent regulation mandates airlines to provide automatic cash refunds for canceled flights and significant delays. This rule aims to simplify refund processes for travelers who previously faced challenges in obtaining their money back from airlines.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Southwest Airlines CEO Robert Jordan expressed hope for less aggressive regulation from future transportation authorities: "We are hopeful for a DOT that is maybe a little less aggressive in terms of regulating or rule-making."

Another rule requires airlines to disclose fees more transparently during price advertisements, allowing consumers to make informed decisions. Many airlines opposed this regulation and initiated legal action against it. A federal judge has temporarily halted its enforcement pending litigation.

Additionally, an ongoing investigation by the DOT into recent devaluations of airline loyalty programs has drawn criticism from some carriers.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg addressed these criticisms during a news conference on Thanksgiving travel. He stated: "I know that some airline CEOs have expressed hopes that the next administration will be less passenger-friendly and more corporate-friendly than this administration. The passenger protections that we have put in place deservedly enjoy broad public, bipartisan support. I just don't run into a lot of people who are against the idea that you ought to get an automatic refund without any hassle, for example." He noted that companies like Delta continue to report substantial profits despite heightened consumer protection measures.

Delta remains one of America's most profitable airlines, earning $4.6 billion last year and $2.6 billion in just nine months this year.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The United States Air Force remains the largest operator of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jet.

Jun 29, 2025

The Brazilian aviation regulatory authority, ANAC, has ordered the permanent closure of Voepass Linhas Aéreas.

Jun 29, 2025

Europe's airline market may soon experience a significant shift as the European Union moves to prohibit airlines from charging passengers extra for hand luggage.

Jun 29, 2025

On June 13, 2025, it was reported that Airbus is set to begin flight tests for two new variants of its popular wide-body jet, the Airbus A350.

Jun 29, 2025

The integration of ITA Airways into the Lufthansa Group marks a significant development in European commercial aviation.

Jun 29, 2025

The geopolitical situation in the Middle East has recently created significant challenges for airlines operating in the region, with sudden airspace closures affecting flight schedules.

Jun 29, 2025