U.S. wants airlines to boost help for stranded, delayed passengers
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has urged the 10 largest U.S. airlines to do more to help stranded and delayed passengers, calling the level of disruption travelers have faced this summer as "unacceptable.", Qazet.az reports.
Buttigieg, who has faced pressure from U.S. lawmakers who want airlines to offer better service or face stiff fines, has clashed with major U.S. airlines over who is to blame for tens of thousands of flight delays and cancellations this summer.
In letters to major, regional and low-cost carrier chief executives made public Friday, Buttigieg said his department (USDOT) is "contemplating options" to write new rules "that would further expand the rights of airline passengers."
He urged airlines to ensure adequate services for passengers facing delays and cancellations, asking them "at a minimum" to provide meal vouchers for delays of 3 hours or more and lodging for those who must wait overnight because of disruptions within the carrier’s control.