President Obama touted new regulations on the airline industry on Saturday, saying consumer protection rules like refunds for delayed bags are "another example of how government can be a force for good."
Obama, now just three months away from having to fly commercial airlines for the first time in nearly a decade, told a Saturday radio audience that he understands the hassles of air travel and thinks government can play a role in making it easier.
"I’m going to be honest with you – one of the best parts of being president is having your own plane. And I’m going to miss it. A lot," he said. "Because up until I ran for this office, I was mostly flying coach. So I know what a pain the whole process can be – from searching for the best prices to that feeling you get when the baggage carousel stops and yours still hasn’t come out."
Obama extolled new regulations that he said would increase competition among airlines and ensure those airlines are treating customers fairly. They include:
► A rule requiring airlines to refund checked bag fees if their bags are delayed, "because you shouldn’t have to pay extra for a service you don’t even receive," Obama said. The Department of Transportation is still hashing out the details about how late a bag has to be, however.
► A requirement that airlines publish more information about their on-time arrivals and lost baggage. Those regulations will go into effect in 2018.
► More protections for travelers with disabilities, who face obstacles like handicapped-inaccessible bathrooms and in-flight entertainment that doesn't provide adaptions for blind or deaf passengers. But the Department of Transportation is also moving to limit the use of emotional support animals.
No comments:
Post a Comment