DOT fines Allegiant, Hawaiian for consumer protection rule violations

The US DOT has levied $375,000 in fines on Allegiant Air and Hawaiian Airlines, citing both airlines for violating airline consumer protection rules. Allegiant Air was fined $250,000 after DOT’s Aviation Enforcement office determined the carrier “failed to provide passengers with disabilities adequate and timely assistance in moving within airport terminals, and did not adequately respond to complaints filed by passengers with disabilities.” Allegiant was also cited for failing provide timely responses to consumer complaints and failed to make prompt refunds to consumers when they were due. Hawaiian Airlines was fined $125,000 based on DOT’s determination that Hawaiian “failed to provide adequate responses to individuals with disabilities who filed written complaints about damage to their assistive devices and failed to properly categorize and report disability-related complaints.” Additionally, DOT said Hawaiian underpaid compensation to passengers who were involuntarily denied boarding.<br/>