The airline industry is trying to take more commissions by cutting passenger rights

It has been pointed out that the US airline industry, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, is trying to push forward policies that will reduce passenger rights as much as possible while imposing further fees.

American Joins Delta, Southwest, United and Other US Airlines Push to Strip Away Travelers' Rights and Add More Fees by Rolling Back Key Protections in New Deregulation Move - Travel And Tour World

Travel news site Travel And Tour World divides the measures the US airline industry is aiming for into four major categories.

◆1: Changes to refund requirements
While passengers can get refunds when their flights are canceled or rescheduled, the industry is reportedly looking to change the requirements to either provide vouchers or eliminate refund compensation altogether. If this policy goes ahead, passengers could lose access to relief even when large-scale flight changes occur.

◆2: Abolition of the obligation to make fees transparent
Airlines are required to disclose fees such as seat selection fees, baggage fees, and service charges, but the industry is trying to eliminate this requirement. If the rule were lifted, airlines could hide the full breakdown of fees, which could lead to people being surprised by the price they paid when booking a flight, Travel And Tour World points out.

◆3: Elimination of family seat guarantee
Under current regulations, airlines must provide seats where families with infants can sit together at no extra charge. However, if this rule is abolished, simply satisfying the request of parents and children to sit next to each other could result in an additional charge.

◆4: Weakening accessibility for passengers with disabilities
The airline industry is expected to help passengers with disabilities travel as much as possible, but if restrictions are relaxed, they may be able to provide less help than before.

The airline industry argues that these measures will lower prices, create competition and improve consumer service.

It's unclear how far this deregulation will go, but if it does go ahead, Travel And Tour World points out that while it could benefit consumers in some ways, it could lead to airlines overcharging for their services, raising concerns that it could mean a return to the days of 'hidden fees' and unfair treatment.