https://www.reuters.com/busine...airlines-2022-07-10/


U.S. completes refund probes into 10 airlines, plans enforcement actions

By David Shepardson



WASHINGTON, July 10 (Reuters) - U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said on Sunday the government has completed 10 investigations into airlines over passenger refund-related issues.

"We'll collaborate with airlines when they're ready to take steps that are positive and proactive, whether that's improvements in pay that are helping with hiring or flexibility in customer service," Buttigieg told Fox News Sunday. "We're also going to enforce passenger and consumer rights."


In September 2021, the U.S. Transportation Department (USDOT) said it had 18 pending investigations against airlines over complaints that they failed to provide timely refunds during the COVID-19 pandemic. A department official told Reuters on Sunday that 10 investigations have been "concluded and will be moving to enforcement actions in coming weeks."

Another 10 investigations remain open. The department did not identify the airlines. Buttigieg said the actions are "to make sure that consumers and passengers are protected."


Airlines for America, an industry group, did not immediately comment.

Air Canada (AC.TO) in November agreed to a $4.5 million settlement to resolve a USDOT investigation into claims that thousands of air passenger refunds were delayed.

In June 2021, USDOT said it was seeking a $25.5 million fine against Air Canada over the carrier's failure to provide timely refunds, alleging the airline continued its no-refund policy in violation of U.S. law for more than a year.


USDOT has said it plans to issue rules on refunds for consumers who are unable to travel due to government restrictions. Existing regulations do not address refund eligibility under special circumstances, such as government-imposed travel restrictions.

Last month, Buttigieg met with airline chief executives in an effort to ensure summer flight schedules are followed after a recent spate of cancellations. Airlines have canceled or delayed thousands of flights this summer, prompting anger from consumers. Airlines have blamed air traffic control staffing issues at the Federal Aviation Administration for much of the problem.

quote:

Air Canada (AC.TO) in November agreed to a $4.5 million settlement to resolve a USDOT investigation into claims that thousands of air passenger refunds were delayed.

In June 2021, USDOT said it was seeking a $25.5 million fine against Air Canada over the carrier's failure to provide timely refunds, alleging the airline continued its no-refund policy in violation of U.S. law for more than a year.

Yep, took them from March 2020 until November 2021 to get a refund to us for a flight that was scheduled in May 2021 (Canada closed due to covid)

I knew Air Canada was going to be named before I even read the article. More problems with them in one trip than in all of my travels ever.

Do you really need a probe for this?

Ask passengers to let you know how long it took them to get a refund.

If you get enough answers of it being unrealistic, fine the airline $100,000 for each one over the legal limit.

End of story.

See how long that takes.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
Do you really need a probe for this?

Ask passengers to let you know how long it took them to get a refund.

If you get enough answers of it being unrealistic, fine the airline $100,000 for each one over the legal limit.

End of story.

See how long that takes.

That would never work…it’s too simple, no long investigations or hearings

quote:

Originally posted by K Evans:

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
Do you really need a probe for this?

Ask passengers to let you know how long it took them to get a refund.

If you get enough answers of it being unrealistic, fine the airline $100,000 for each one over the legal limit.

End of story.

See how long that takes.

That would never work…it’s too simple, no long investigations or hearings

True.

Lawyers have to be paid.

Politicians have to be glorified.

And the public is the loser.