WHP580 Newsroom

WHP580 Newsroom

Top headlines from Central PA's Newsroom

 

Airlines File Lawsuit Against Biden Administration

A coalition of major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways Corp., Hawaiian Airlines, and Alaska Airlines, have filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration. The lawsuit, led by trade group Airlines for America, challenges a new rule requiring airlines to disclose extra fees on purchases upfront.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) issued the rule last month as part of the Biden administration's crackdown on so-called junk fees. The rule mandates airlines to disclose extra fees before customers make their final purchase. These fees can include charges for checked bags, carry-on bags, and changing or canceling reservations.

The airlines argue that they already provide complete disclosure of all fees associated with air travel before customers purchase a ticket. They believe the new rule will confuse consumers and complicate the buying process. The airline group called the rule “a bad solution in search of a problem.”

The DOT defended the rule, stating it will protect people from hidden junk fees and ensure travelers can see the full price of a flight before they purchase a ticket. The agency estimates that consumers are overpaying $543 million in fees annually, with airlines benefiting from consumers surprised by fees and then needing to pay a higher fee at the airport to check a bag.

The lawsuit was filed in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals against the Department of Transportation. The airlines have not challenged a separate rule finalized last month by DOT that would require automatic cash refunds for canceled flights when passengers choose not to take a new flight.


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