U.S. airlines group blasts White House proposals on competition

WASHINGTON, February 1, Reuters - A group representing major U.S. airlines on Wednesday blasted White House proposals on competition as short-sighted and said they would drive up costs and reduce choices for consumers.

The White House said on Wednesday that the Transportation Department USDOT will propose new regulations to bar airlines from charging family members to sit near young children, after DOT proposed in 2021 requiring airlines to refund fees for delayed bags.

According to Airlines for America A 4 A, the federal government should focus on 21st century policies and procedures that drive the nation s aviation system forward, rather than making efforts that threaten to reduce access and affordability for consumers.

A 4 A said its member airlines make every effort to accommodate customers traveling together, especially those traveling with children, without additional charges. The Biden administration has taken measures that will cause more competition in the airline industry. The U.S. Justice Department sued to remove American Airlines Northeast Alliance with JetBlue Airways and USDOT reassigned 16 peak-hour flights at the congested Newark Airport to Spirit Airlines on Wednesday, but the White House should get the facts straight amid efforts to impose new policies and regulations on our nation's aviation industry. The White House didn't want to say anything.

A 4 A posted a point-by-point statement Wednesday trying to refute comments by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on CNBC about airline competition, arguing there is no evidence of market failure or unfair or deceptive practices. After a holiday meltdown at Southwest that resulted in the cancellation of more than 16,000 flights, airlines are facing growing calls in Congress to boost consumer protections.

Airlines have previously sparred with Buttigieg over flight disruptions this summer. Buttigieg pushed airlines to adopt consumer protections even though some critics say he has not been tough enough on airlines.

In the U.S. lawmakers proposed sweeping legislation that would require airline passengers to get refunds for delayed flights, ban airlines from further shrinking plane seat sizes and give consumers new rights to sue airlines for unfair practices.

A 4 A said that instituting government-controlled pricing, establishing a private right of action, and dictating private sector contracts would decrease competition and lead to higher ticket prices and reduce services to small and rural communities.