(WNY News Now) – New York – New York State has joined a coalition of 14 states in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), aiming to address traveler concerns amidst flight disruptions and customer service issues.
New York State has aligned with 14 other states in signing an MOU with the DOT, emphasizing the importance of addressing core concerns for travelers, including flight disruptions, refund difficulties, and baggage mishandling. This partnership aims to reinforce consumer protections in the airline industry through collaboration between state attorneys general and federal authorities.
The MOU delineates a framework for cooperation between the Office of Attorney General and the DOT in reviewing and resolving consumer complaints against airlines and ticket agents. This collaborative effort underscores a shared commitment to ensuring fair treatment for consumers.
United States Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the significance of the Airline Passenger Protection Partnership, highlighting its role in holding airlines and ticket agents accountable for fair and transparent practices.
Under this agreement, the Office of Attorney General gains authority to investigate consumer complaints against air carriers, ticket agents, and related entities supervised by the DOT. Complaint resolution will involve cooperation between consumers, companies, and regulatory bodies, with potential referrals to the DOT’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection for further action.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Henry praised the initiative, emphasizing its potential to provide better protection for millions of airline passengers nationwide. The MOU is set to last for two years initially, with provisions for potential extensions, signaling a sustained commitment to enhancing consumer protections in air travel.
“This memorandum is a message to airline companies and ticket agents that consumer complaints must be taken seriously,” Attorney General Henry said. “At a time when passenger concerns about air travel are climbing and just as we are about to enter the busy summer travel season, airlines must be attentive to consumer comfort and inform the Department of Transportation about major issues. I am proud to be part of a coordinated effort to protect millions of air travelers.”
United States Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said: “We take our mission to protect consumers seriously, and today’s launch of the Airline Passenger Protection Partnership is an important milestone in that effort. By partnering with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general, the U.S. Department of Transportation has expanded our ability to hold airlines and ticket agents accountable and protect passengers from unfair or deceptive practices.”
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