US airline group blasts White House competition efforts

A group representing major US airlines on Wednesday blasted White House proposals on competition in the industry as "short-sighted" and said they would "drive-up costs and reduce choices" for consumers. The White House said on Wednesday the Transportation Department (USDOT) will propose new regulations to bar airlines from charging family members to sit near young children after DOT in 2021 proposed requiring airlines to refund fees for delayed bags. "The federal government should be focused on 21st century policies and procedures that drive our nation’s aviation system forward, rather than making efforts that threaten to reduce access and affordability for consumers," said Airlines for America (A4A), a group representing Delta, United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest and others. A4A said its member airlines "make every effort to accommodate customers traveling together, especially those traveling with children, without additional charges." The Biden administration has taken steps it says will inject more competition into the airline industry. The US Justice Department sued to unwind American Airlines Northeast Alliance with JetBlue Airways and USDOT reassigned 16 peak-hour flights at congested Newark Airport to Spirit Airlines. A4A on Wednesday said "the White House should get the facts straight amid efforts to impose new policies and regulations on our nation’s aviation industry." The White House declined to comment.<br/>