New Partnership Between U.S. States and DOT Enhances Airline Consumer Protection

The Airline Passenger Protection Partnership aims to streamline complaint handling and improve accountability for airline abuses.

The partnership, involving 25 states and the Department of Transportation, was announced by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
It focuses on addressing passenger complaints about flight disruptions, refunds, and baggage issues more efficiently.
State attorney generals will investigate consumer complaints, with the ability to escalate serious cases to the DOT's Office of Aviation Consumer Protection.
The initiative is seen as a way to assist the DOT, which has been overwhelmed by a surge in complaints, especially during the pandemic.
Consumer advocates support the agreement, viewing it as a significant step towards better enforcement of airline consumer rights.