The Department of Justice announced Thursday that it would launch a “broad public inquiry” into the state of competition in air travel — the government’s second inquiry into the airline industry in just the past two months.
24.10.2024 - 21:39 / thepointsguy.com / Spirit Airlines / Pete Buttigieg / U.S.Airlines / Hawaiian Airlines
The Biden administration is launching a wide-ranging probe into the state of air travel in the U.S.
The U.S. Department of Justice's Antitrust Division and the U.S. Department of Transportation on Thursday jointly announced a "broad public inquiry into the state of competition" in the industry.
As part of that inquiry, the federal government is seeking a swath of information, ranging from the effects of past airline mergers to airport access and airlines' tactics when it comes to ticket pricing — along with rewards programs.
"With this inquiry, we hope to learn more from the businesses and travelers at the center of this essential industry," Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter said in a statement announcing the news.
"Our goal with this inquiry is to identify and remove barriers to competition so that more Americans can access the opportunities that come with good, affordable air service," Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg added.
A trade group for the largest U.S. airlines slammed the inquiry as politically motivated, coming 12 days before the presidential election— and argued the industry "has never been more competitive," pointing to DOT data suggesting airfare today, adjusted for inflation, is at historic lows.
"We look forward to sharing with government their own data that shows just how competitive the industry is," a spokesperson for the organization Airlines for America said in a statement to TPG Thursday.
The Biden administration has taken a harder line on competition and consumer protections in the airline industry.
The DOJ successfully blocked American Airlines' Northeast Alliance with JetBlue, and did the same with JetBlue's proposed merger with Spirit Airlines. More recently, the Biden administration greenlit Alaska Airlines' acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, but extracted key concessions from the carrier on consumer protections in the process.
Under Buttigieg, the DOT has also publicly pressured airlines to improve customer service guarantees for passengers affected by flight delays and cancellations, and passed or proposed more stringent rules surrounding accessibility of air travel and passenger rights.
This month, stricter passenger refund rules rolled out by the DOT, later codified in the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act, take effect.
Recent months have also seen federal agencies and congressional leaders step up scrutiny of airline frequent flyer programs.
As part of this latest inquiry into airline industry competition, the public will have 60 days to weigh in on a range of factors, from pricing and rewards practices to airport access and "exclusionary conduct" in the aviation industry.
That public comment period is set to wrap up Dec. 23. With a new
The Department of Justice announced Thursday that it would launch a “broad public inquiry” into the state of competition in air travel — the government’s second inquiry into the airline industry in just the past two months.
Before I joined TPG in early 2022, my knowledge of credit cards and the world of points and miles was limited, to say the least. Authorized users ... what are those? Free night awards? Don't know. Chase's 5/24 rule — never heard of it.
Waiting for your flight in Terminal B at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) isn't exactly too inspiring.
The Biden administration is slapping American Airlines with a record-setting punishment, criticizing the carrier's treatment of passengers who use wheelchairs for mobility devices — and their essential equipment.
Saying that American Airlines mistreated disabled air travelers who use wheelchairs, the U.S. Transportation Department on Wednesday announced a $50 million fine against the carrier. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called the agency’s penalty the highest ever levied against an airline for violating protections for fliers with disabilities.
The Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that it would fine American Airlines $50 million for “numerous serious violations of the laws” that protect passengers with disabilities.
Planning where to go for your next summer Euro trip?
If you're looking for a true breath of fresh air in the most literal sense, the pros at QR Code Generator have a new study you're going to want to see. In September, the team unveiled the findings of its newest study, which showed which U.S. and European destinations have the lowest pollution rates, offering the cleanest air possible for travelers and locals alike.
Both Walt Disney World and Disneyland will roll out a brand new system that will allow guests to join a Lightning Lane queue without a reservation — but it'll cost you.The Lightning Lane Premier Pass will use dynamic pricing based on demand and date of visit. Prices will also vary by theme park and are expected to range from $129 to $449 per person, per day — with the highest prices will occur during peak travel periods, like Christmas and New Year’s. Those eligible can purchase Lightning Lane Premier Pass up to seven days before their date of check-in at 7:00 AM ET and for their entire length of stay, up to 14 days. The pass can be purchased in the My Disney Experience app.
“As far back as I can remember, I knew I was different,” says Alexander Smalls. Growing up in a Gullah Geechee household in Spartanburg, North Carolina, the chef says he recognized the implication of those differences—in appearance, history, and cuisine. “I discovered early that my friends did not eat any of the foods that I ate. My foods were more akin to West Africa, you know, and very much pronounced in that way,” he says. It wan't until he moved to New York as an adult, that he assimilated the value of that diasporic connective tissue. “Food was a big part of cultural expression and identity of the African diaspora,” he says.
Washington DC's Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is the most convenient gateway to the US capital, only a quick metro ride away from downtown DC.
If all goes according to plan, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) may soon go from worst to first in nationwide rankings.