Introduction
The airline industry has been struggling since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, but President Biden is making sure customers aren’t bound to exorbitant fees and charges. On March 24th, 2021, the Biden administration announced a series of executive orders putting the kibosh on “junk” fees imposed on consumers by the airline industry.
Biden Takes Aim at Airline Fees
The airline industry has long been notorious for charging consumers for “extras” like checked baggage, assigned seating, and carry-on luggage. While these charges have allowed airlines to remain profitable in the past, the Biden administration is concerned that they are being taken advantage of in the current climate. The White House has outlined a series of executive orders that require all airlines to cut or eliminate these fees in order to make air travel more affordable.
Under the Biden administration’s orders, airlines must eliminate all fees on checked bags, change or cancellation fees, and fees for “premium” seating assignments, among other fees. Airlines must also provide customers with more clarity on their fees and fares, as well as give customers a 24-hour grace period to make changes or cancel their flights without penalty.
Airlines Forced to Cut "Junk" Fees
The Biden administration’s orders have been met with widespread approval from the airline industry. Airlines are now scrambling to adjust their fees and policies in order to comply with the new orders, and some have already declared their intention to eliminate certain fees. American Airlines has announced it will waive change and cancellation fees for certain flights, while United Airlines has stated that it will begin reducing or eliminating fees for certain customers.
Consumers Rejoice at Biden’s Crackdown
The news of the Biden administration’s orders has been welcomed by consumers, who have long been frustrated with the airline industry’s “junk” fees. Customers are now looking forward to more affordable air travel, as well as more clarity and flexibility when it comes to their flight plans.
Conclusion
President Biden’s executive orders are a welcome move for the airline industry and its customers. Airlines will now be forced to cut “junk” fees and give customers more flexibility when they are booking and changing flights. Most importantly, the new orders will make air travel more affordable in the long run, something that customers have been wanting for a long time.
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