Legroom, vouchers, seating fees: Consumer advocacy groups take complaints to DOT

Air travel consumer groups want Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to take a harder stance on US airlines. During a virtual meeting Tuesday, the groups asked the DoT to ensure that airline vouchers, which soared into the billions of dollars after the Covid pandemic roiled air travel, never expire, participants said. They also sought that the department crack down on airline seat selection fees, barring the practice altogether for families traveling with younger children. “In keeping with the Administration’s and the Secretary’s commitment to strengthening rights of consumers the Secretary will meet with consumer groups,” the DOT said. Participants said they were encouraged that Buttigieg agreed to meet with them. The consumer groups’ somewhat optimistic tone comes after President Joe Biden’s executive order earlier this month directed the DoT to propose rules that would require airlines to refund baggage fees for delayed luggage or other charges when services aren’t provided. “We’re definitely seeing an openness to talk,” said Paul Hudson, founder of the nonprofit group Flyers Rights, who was in the meeting. “Talking the talk is one thing. Walking the walk is another.” During the pandemic, airlines scrapped ticket change fees and also extended the expiration of vouchers for travelers who couldn’t fly because of Covid, some into 2022. The consumer groups want those not to expire and to be used for other potential travelers.<br/>