A coalition of 40 U.S. attorneys general recently forwarded correspondence to congressional leaders as a means of encouraging new consumer protection measures for airline industry customers.
The delegation indicated it is seeking the action via a financial relief package or separate legislation, noting despite the domestic passenger and cargo airline industry receiving nearly $60 billion in federal stimulus funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act – consumers continue to experience issues with certain airlines.
The attorneys general maintain Congress is considering extending federal support by another six months and granting the industry an additional $28 billion in payroll support – determining if that action occurs, provisions should be made for consumers.
“The coronavirus pandemic is not only hammering the airline industry, but it’s also affecting the passengers those airlines serve,” Indiana Attorney General Hill said. “Should Congress extend financial relief for airlines, they must also take action to further protect consumers, who have lost thousands of dollars in flight credits despite the initial taxpayer protections enacted.”
Among the actions sought, per the attorneys general, is requiring carriers receiving federal financial relief provide full refunds to customers voluntarily canceling their flight reservations for reasons related to COVID-19; strengthening existing laws requiring refunds for flight cancellations to be remitted in full and according to federal law; preventing delays in the issuance of refunds or expirations that effectively cancel the value reimbursed; and authorizing state attorneys general to enforce federal airline consumer protection laws – broadening consumer violation enforcement beyond a single federal agency.