State AGs: DOT Needs An On-Time Departure

This week, 38 Attorneys General joined forces in a letter promulgated by the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) to urge Congress to provide them with authority to address consumers' frustrations with airlines, further advocating for a shift of federal authority over consumer complaints away from the Department of Transportation.

Stating that the airline industry has "failed their customers," the Attorneys General discuss the thousands of complaints they receive from consumers that they are unable to act upon due to the US Department of Transportation's preempting authority. The AGs blame USDOT throughout multiple administrations for not taking appropriate action against the airlines even when made aware of the AG consumer complaints. General Weiser of Colorado additionally has raised antitrust concerns further impact consumers. Ultimately, the AGs ask Congress to pass legislation to authorize State AGs to enforce consumer protection laws