David Shepardson
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Friday said major U.S. airlines had refused to commit to increasing travel benefits for military personnel, the latest showdown between the Biden administration and airlines.
In April, Buttigieg called on airlines to do more for military personnel and promised to publicize the issue on a dashboard, but said major carriers including Delta Air Lines (NYSE:), American Airlines (NASDAQ:) and United Airlines refused to “provide a clear explanation.” . and enforceable commitments to U.S. military personnel and their families.”
Airlines that employ large numbers of military veterans insist they go beyond what the U.S. Department of Transportation measures benefits, but some say they don’t want to add those benefits to customer service plans, which would then open them up to US Department of Transportation enforcement actions if they do not comply with US Department of Transportation requirements. these obligations.
Airlines for America, a trade group representing the largest U.S. passenger airlines, said the dashboard “shows only a portion of what airlines offer service members” and said it “does not reflect the many benefits carriers already offer.”
The dashboard assesses whether airlines will make a voluntary commitment to waive flight cancellation and change fees and provide full refunds to military personnel and their families who cancel or reschedule travel plans due to military orders; offering free baggage allowance and the lowest fares on flights to visit military personnel recently injured in the line of duty.
“Military members and their families make extraordinary commitments and sacrifices for this country, and they deserve support and recognition whenever they fly,” Buttigieg said.
Six of 10 airlines did not receive green checks from USDOT, including the three largest airlines, as well as Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ:).
Faithful and Spirit Airlines (NYSE:) received four checks and Frontier received three.
Southwest Airlines (NYSE:) received two ticks for its existing baggage fee policy and changes that apply to all passengers.
Airlines and the Biden administration have repeatedly clashed over a range of customer service areas.
Earlier this month, major airlines sued the U.S. Department of Transportation over a new rule requiring advance disclosure of airline fees.
Last month, Airlines for America filed a lawsuit challenging USDOT rules requiring airlines and ticket agents to disclose service fees along with airfare, saying it would help consumers avoid unnecessary or unexpected charges.
Since 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation has created other dashboards to measure other airline customer service benefits, and Congress has directed it to create a new dashboard focused on airline seat minimums.