Pressure on airlines intensifies to increase aid for stranded and delayed passengers

Letters from Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to major low-cost and regional airlines were released today, urging them to do more to help stranded and delayed passengers, calling the level of disruption travel has experienced this summer “unacceptable.”

According to the emails, Buttigieg noted that his department, USDOT, is considering spellings new rules that will further expand the rights of passengers airlines.

In addition, he asked airlines to ensure proper service for passengers facing delays and cancellations by asking them. “at a minimum” who provide food stamps in case of delays of 3 hours or more, as well as the accommodation of those passengers who are forced to wait at night due to breaks under the control of the carrier.

This is not the first time Buttigieg has spoken out against airlines a few weeks ago. wondered who is to blame for tens of thousands of delays and flight cancellations this summer.

“Regardless of the reason for delays or cancellations, the Department expects airlines to provide timely and responsive customer service during and after periods of flight disruption,” Buttigieg said.

In a letter Buttigieg thanked those airlines that have begun to take steps improve service, but did not forget to mention that the disruptions experienced by US travel this summer were “unacceptable”.

In addition, he recalled that in the first half of the year, 24% of domestic flights of American airlines were delayed, and 3.2% were canceled.

Not only does the department receive endless messages from customers complaining about their flights, but lawmakers are pushing Buttigieg to force airlines to provide better service and even fine them.