White House Urges Retention of Consumer Protections in Aviation Bill

As part of continued efforts to bring more transparency to airline ticket pricing for consumers, the White House is urging Republicans to drop a provision in pending aviation legislation that allows airlines to advertise ticket prices without taxes and fees.

A vote on the legislation, which would authorize funding for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is scheduled to take place this week, Reuters reported. However, Republicans scrapped many of the consumer-oriented protections in the bill that the White House had wanted to include.

In particular, Republicans amended the bill to eliminate the 2012 Transportation Department regulation requiring that airlines advertise full fares including government fees and taxes, according to Reuters.

The move has not been popular among Democrats, who are pushing for a vote on an amendment that would maintain what’s known as “full fare disclosure.”

In particular, Democratic Representative Jan Schakowsky says removing the disclosure requirements surrounding ticket prices is yet another example of “the airline industry and congressional Republicans are once again prioritizing profits over people.”

The White House meanwhile, has said the the disclosures help consumers comparison shop for airline tickets more effectively.

Fully transparent ticket pricing is just one part of the Biden Administration’s efforts to provide consumer protections. The administration also put forth legislation that would require airlines pay cash compensation for delays of three hours or more when the delay is the carrier’s fault.

Last August, many carriers stepped forward and volunteered to pay for hotels and meals when flights were delayed. However, airlines remain opposed to paying cash compensation.

Additional consumer protection measures the Biden Administration has pursued include seeking to have airlines do away with junk fees.