My New Years Resolution... New regs for the airlines...

[johnbaker]

All,
I saw this article (http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2015/01/09/12-airline-regulations-need-now/) today on Fox News written by George Hobica. He writes his 2015 wish list on new airline regulations... While I don't agree with all of his suggestions, I agree with quite a few.

What would be on your DOT wish list for new regs?

 

[johnbaker]

Here's mine...
1. Schedule Changes -
a. If I purchase a non-refundable ticket with an attached change fee and the airline opts to change their schedule and the new schedule doesn't suit me, the airline has to place me on any airline that has a similar schedule at their expense. If I have to set my plans in stone 11 months out, why shouldn't they?
b. If the airline makes a schedule change that results in me needing to RON (remain over night), the airlines have to provide accommodation and meals at their expense.
c. If an airline substitutes a connecting flight for a non-stop flight, the airline is required to refund 50% of the ticket cost.

2. Flight Cancellations / delays
a. If a flight is cancelled due to something within the airline's control, the airline is required to place you on the next available flight to the destination regardless of the airline, at their expense. If the new flight requires an overnight stay, the airlines are responsible for providing accommodations. If the delay occurs during a meal period, they are required to provide meal vouchers.
b. If a flight is cancelled due to something within the airline's control, the airline is required to compensate passengers at a rate of $25 per hour (capped at $500) for the difference between their scheduled and actual arrival times at their destination.

Anyone else?

 

[Tony A.]

DOT does not have the power or authority to impose the above. You need an Act of Congress.

 

[jsn55]

The only problem I have with the airlines are the horrific change fees. But I don't want to pay three times more money for a flexible ticket. I'd like to pay a fee that reinburses the airline for the cost of the change I want. Since I would do it all on my computer, I figure the airline is out about $25, and I'd give them an extra $5 as profit.

 

[bodega3]

Hahaha...welcome to our world. We don't even get paid by the airlines to handle their tickets or reissues. They use to pay us a commission plus $25 per ticket to do reissues. Back then it cost an agency $25 to do that, per ticket. Your amount is low for today's costs.

 

[Grant Ritchie]

DOT does not have the power or authority to impose the above. You need an Act of Congress.

Master Yoda to Tony, "Always with you it cannot be done."

 

[hannah de la vel]

Airline fees are on the rise these days and I don't understand why they don't just raise the ticket prices. I think that pisses people off a lot less than all these random charges. Apparently, airline fees like baggage charges are a hassle. They only make the already substantial pain of air travel worse. But, they are not likely disappearing, as it is harder for airlines to make a living these days.

 

[Grant Ritchie]

Hannah,

I think all these airline fees are a trial balloon to see if we're stupid enough to put up with them. If we do... great; the airlines get to keep ticket prices "low."

And so far, it looks as if the airlines know what they're doing... we are stupid enough to put up with them.

 

[AMA]

Raise your ticket prices by $30.00, give us back our leg room, and stop charging us for stale sandwiches! And ANY ticket should be fully refundable IN CASH up to 14 days out.

 

[bodega3]

Raise your ticket prices by $30.00, give us back our leg room, and stop charging us for stale sandwiches! And ANY ticket should be fully refundable IN CASH up to 14 days out.

Cpacj tickets use to be refundable. If passengers didn't change their minds more than they change their underware, we wouldn't be paying such high change fees. Other businesses are getting into the act because consumers are flakes and it costs a business money when changes are made.

 

[bodega3]

I want cleaner planes when I fly and I want my checked luggage to be included in the cost of my ticket.