DOT allowing a halt of up to 5 percent of destinations.
The Transportation Department said on Tuesday it will allow air carriers to suspend flights up to 5 percent of destinations as a condition of receiving government assistance amid the coronavirus pandemic.
At the same time, the department urged airlines to comply with legal obligations to refund tickets if they cancel flights.
Air travel in the United States has fallen about 94 percent in demand while carriers are still flying around 30 percent of their flights. A group representing the industry said airlines are going through at least $10 billion a month, averaging just 17 passengers per domestic flight.
“The department is asking all airlines to revisit their customer service policies and ensure they are as flexible and considerate as possible to the needs of passengers who face financial hardship during this time,” Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said, adding the department is working to “ensure that airlines’ policies and practices conform to DOT’s refund rules.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and others in her department working to ensure protections for both the airlines and the traveling public.
- For the airline industry and the losses it is suffering while still maintaining travel opportunities.
- For passengers to receive refunds who have had to cancel flights due to pandemic.
Sources: Reuters, Wall Street Journal
