Originally Posted by
lewende
I am not sure why people still hold strong confidence toward DoT. The last time, and maybe the only time, DoT flexed its muscle was RGN R1 against KE back in 2012, and since then numerous "discounted" sales took place, DoT either didn't step in, or always came up certain excuses to opt out.
DOT doesn't have to step in when the airlines already know the case is futile, only when the airlines think they have some loophole and proceed to cancel tickets.
For example, AA claimed 'mistake' on the recent DCA-PEK J fares, but they only canceled tickets on hold. There was never any question of them choosing not to honor fully issued tickets.
The DOT regulations have held up very well in 'vanilla' cases where the travel is to or from the US, tickets were marketed to US customers, and ticket numbers were issued. ^