DOT Publishes New Consumer Protection Initiatives
November 4, 2016
This week the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) published four very important documents related to its ongoing efforts to enhance consumer protections in the aviation industry. They include an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, a Request for Information, and two Final Rules which become effective in late 2016. We would encourage all carriers to respond to one or more of the below requests for comments/information. New regulations are shaped at this point in the process and, as our readers know from prior rules, DOT does not necessarily have the industry’s interests in mind when it makes a rulemaking in this area. If all or part of a particular rule would prove challenging, costly, or otherwise undesirable, please let us know and we will assist you in submitting a comment to DOT.
DOT’s recent publications include:
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- Refunding Baggage Fees for Delayed Checked Bags (Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking). ANPRM was published in the Federal Register October 31, 2016; comments due by November 30, 2016. Please let us know if you are interested in filing a comment.
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- Exploring Industry Practices on Distribution and Display of Airline Fare, Schedule, and Availability Information (Request for Information). Request for information was published in the Federal Register on October 31, 2016. Responses to DOT’s inquiries are due on or before December 30, 2016. Please let us know if you would like to file a response to DOT’s request for information.
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- Enhancing Airline Passenger Protections III (Final Rule). Rule was published in the Federal Register November 3, 2016 and becomes effective December 5, 2016. This rule will apply to both U.S. and foreign carriers.
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- Reporting of Data for Mishandled Baggage and Wheelchairs and Scooters Transported in Aircraft Cargo Compartments (Final Rule). Rule was published in the Federal Register November 2, 2016 and becomes effective December 2, 2016. This rule only applies to U.S. carriers.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6622) or Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6665).
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