Aviation Consumer Group Protests Unreasonable Change Fees, Urges DOT to Act

Aviation consumer group FlyersRights.org has filed petition with the DOT against unreasonable international ticket change fees.

The debate surrounding caps on ticketing fees continues. FlyersRights.org has requested that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) cap change fees on international flights at $100, USA Today reports.

Paul Hudson, president of the nonprofit group, held a media briefing to announce FlyerRights.org’s intentions. In addition to requesting lower change fees, the group is asking for “reduced airfares generally due to lower jet fuel and to amend the Airline Deregulation Act to remedy numerous abuses, and to curtail airline exemptions from consumer protection and antitrust laws,” according to a statement posted on the group’s website.

“There’s been a dramatic increase in change fees,” said Hudson, noting that fees have jumped from $50 and $100 just a few years ago, to $750 today.

Airlines for America spokeswoman Victoria Day said the industry group does not support FlyerRights.org’s petition, stating: “The marketplace is working and the petition doesn’t demonstrate otherwise.”

Similar requests have been filed in the past, but the DOT has refused to act on anything to do with airline finances in the wake of deregulation in 1978. However, Richard Baxley, a lawyer for FlyerRights.org said there are provisions within the deregulation act that allow the DOT to “establish reasonable rates and rules” and “to take action directly against unfiled passenger fees and rules.”

The DOT is not required to respond within any timeframe. However, USA Today reports that previous petitions have been considered for months and even years before responding.

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