“This year we have seen some of the busiest air traffic days in U.S. history. And so far, this year, our aviation system has been handling the increased volume well,” Buttigieg said in a video posted to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
“In fact, cancelations are lower than they were before the pandemic, and we’re pushing hard to keep it that way.”
Buttigieg also highlighted the government’s flightrights.gov website, which outlines passengers’ rights.
If passengers face delays or cancelations that are airlines’ responsibility, the Transportation Department (DOT) has secured “enforceable commitments” from the 10 largest airlines to cover expenses including rebooking and meals, Buttigieg said.
Those commitments are outlined in a dashboard the department has created.
Passengers are entitled to a full cash refund if a flight is canceled for any reason, Buttigieg said, adding, “Our work as a watchdog has helped get over $2.5 billion returned from airlines to travelers.”
Many airlines agreed to offer fee-free family seating that allows families to sit together free of charge, including Alaska, American, Frontier and JetBlue.
DOT is working to implement this practice across the industry, although Allegiant, Delta, Hawaiian, Southwest, Spirit and United have not yet committed, according to the flightrights.gov website.
The number of Americans expected to travel this year could hit pre-pandemic-level highs. AAA predicts 115.2 million travelers will trek 50 miles or more over the 10-day year-end holiday period, including 7.5 million by air.
Holiday air travel is expected to be busiest Dec. 21, Dec. 29 and New Year’s Day, with more than 2.5 million passengers traveling each of those days, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
The Hill’s Sarah Fortinsky has more here.
