US: Big airlines cheer as Trump administration suspends Obama-era consumer protection

The US DoT has taken its first steps to undo actions by the administration of Barack Obama to improve consumer protections for airline travellers, putting on hold a proposal to require more disclosure of passenger fees. The process of collecting public comments for the proposal has been suspended, president Donald Trump’s DoT said in a posting dated Thursday. Transportation secretary Elaine Chao’s move was praised by Airlines for America. “We applaud secretary Chao’s leadership today and look forward to an era of smarter regulation that protects consumers from unfair practices, but does not step in when action is not warranted,” A4A said. The agency is also delaying the implementation of a separate regulation requiring airlines to disclose when they mishandle wheelchairs and motorized scooters for the disabled. <br/>