Senator Warren Highlights DOT Steps to Promote Transparency and Competition in the Airline Industry, Urges Further Action to Protect Consumers
Warren Previously Called on Administration to Take Action in Response to Airlines Restricting Key Flight Information From Consumers on Third-Party Websites
Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass) highlighted the Department of Transportation's (DOT) newly-announced steps to increase transparency and to promote competition in the airline industry, which include looking into whether airlines' practices of restricting fare and schedule information "is an unfair practice that makes it harder for travelers to find the most affordable and convenient flights that match their needs."
"This announcement by the Department of Transportation is a good first step, but I hope the Administration will follow it up with action to make sure consumers can easily comparison shop for flights," said Senator Warren. "Transparency in the marketplace is critical to promoting competition in the increasingly-consolidated airline industry, and I will continue to push DOT to take steps to protect consumers."
Following an Executive Order by President Obama in April that asked federal agencies to identify ways to strengthen market competition and to increase transparency for consumers, Senator Warren sent a letter to DOT calling for a review of practices on the part of airlines to restrict customer access to transparent fee and schedule information on third-party websites. Senator Warren also joined Senators Blumenthal and Markey in an August letter to National Economic Council Director Jeffrey Zients urging him to recommend that DOT take action using its existing authority.
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