Friend,
In the wake of last week’s snowstorm, hundreds of thousands of people were left stranded over their holiday weekend when Southwest Airlines with no indication that they would receive any sort of reimbursement for their troubles. Even now, Southwest has canceled two-thirds of its flights to “stabilize its operations,” further inconveniencing passengers who had booked plane tickets.
Six months ago, Bernie Sanders and I sent a letter to the Department of Transportation laying out a solution to the chronic and ongoing staffing shortages facing the airline industry. The current mess could have been avoided if the DOT had taken action. But they didn’t.
American taxpayers have supported these airlines to the tune of $60 billion in federal pandemic airline aid. Airlines promised to use the aid to prevent layoffs and maintain staffing levels for when demand returned. Additionally, airline passengers are paying into an aviation trust fund that supports the national air transport system. But despite the pent-up demand from the pandemic surges around the holidays, airlines have dragged their feet on rehiring, all while reporting record revenues. American Airlines’ revenue rose to $8.9 billion and United Airlines’ revenue was up $7.6 billion, both more than double since last year.
This cannot continue. Tell the Department of Transportation: Protect airline passengers from unfair practices.
During the Obama administration, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood issued a rule fining the airlines $27,500 per passenger for excessive tarmac delays. After three hours, the airlines had to allow passengers to go back to the gates or face stiff penalties. Steep fines like these are meant to hold airlines accountable to their passengers.
The Department’s incremental response so far lacks the urgency, imagination, and boldness to meet the moment and needs of the American people. It’s not fair to passengers or the airline’s overstretched employees.
In solidarity,
Ro
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