US Airlines Lobby to Cut Consumer Protections and Self-Police

Major US airlines are lobbying to reduce federal consumer protections, pushing for self-regulation. Their proposal, filed with the Department of Transportation (DOT), calls for eliminating key passenger safeguards.

The airline lobbying group, Airlines for America, represents carriers like American Airlines (AA), Delta Air Lines (DL), United Airlines (UA), Alaska Airlines (AS), and Southwest Airlines (WN).

Their demands could significantly weaken consumer rights at major airports such as Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Atlanta (ATL), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Seattle (SEA), and Denver (DEN).

Photo: Aero Icarus | Flickr

US Airlines to Cut Consumer Protections

On May 5, 2025, the Department of Transportation opened public comments on President Trump’s “Department of Government Efficiency” deregulatory agenda.

Airlines for America (A4A) responded with a 93-page filing urging a rollback of rules they consider burdensome.

Reported by OMAAT, A4A framed this as a path to a “new golden age of air travel,” but in practice, it could strip consumers of critical protections.

A4A’s request includes ending the Air Travel Consumer Report, which tracks flight delays, cancellations, baggage mishandling, and customer complaints.

This report has long been a transparency tool, allowing travelers to make informed airline choices. Airlines argue it represents “government overreach” and should be scrapped to save taxpayer money.

Refunds and Passenger Rights

The group is also seeking to undo refund rules introduced under the Biden administration. Current regulations require airlines to offer credits or vouchers in cases where passengers cannot travel due to public health crises, quarantines, or government restrictions.

A4A argues customers already have “options” such as refundable tickets or travel insurance, despite the higher costs.

Similarly, airlines want to eliminate family seating requirements and reimbursement obligations for significant disruptions. They claim these exceed DOT authority and amount to backdoor re-regulation.

Photo: Alaska Airlines

Airlines’ Track Record on Self-Regulation

Airlines insist they have a “longstanding commitment to customer service,” citing $43 billion in refunds issued between 2020 and 2023.

However, historical context shows airlines initially resisted refunding passengers during the pandemic until pressured by regulators.

Instances such as Delta’s (DL) 2024 system meltdown highlight the risks of self-regulation. Initially, the airline resisted reimbursing tickets on other carriers until government intervention forced compliance.

Despite receiving $54 billion in taxpayer aid during the pandemic, airlines now argue against tools that hold them accountable.

Photo: Aero Icarus | Flickr

Consumer Concerns and Political Divide

While deregulation aligns with broader political efforts to cut federal oversight, consumer sentiment may differ.

Even travelers who favor smaller government often expect fair treatment when flights are canceled or refunds are denied.

Policies introduced under the Biden administration, such as disruption reimbursements, enjoyed wide public support.

Ultimately, A4A’s proposals highlight the conflict between airline profitability and consumer rights. If implemented, these changes could roll back years of progress in ensuring fair treatment for US passengers.

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