THE DC BLAME GAME
POLITICO reported on a segment on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" with Sec. Buttigieg. He said that DOT is ready to take enforcement actions against airlines that don't perform in the name of consumer protection.
The airlines have invited lawmakers, consumer groups, and others to opine and malign. Labor organizations, complicit in negotiating provisions permitting layoffs after the Pandemic set in, now blame their own companies in this Summer from Hell circa 2022 regarding operational underperformance.
Should consumers receive refunds if a flight cancels versus receiving flight credits? Absolutely. The issues are so much more than refunds. We should be asking what kind of system is right going forward? What is necessary to ensure its ability to meet expectations?
In 2019, this industry was responsible for 5% of the nation's GDP, or $1 trillion in economic generation. A4A's Nick Calio said in 2012: “If Washington is serious about boosting the economy and creating jobs, it needs to look no further than the U.S. airline industry.”
The entire industry has a commonality of purpose to win back the trust of all system users. Airlines and airports tout their economic generation/contribution to the nation’s economy. One without the other and their related supply chains would blunt the maximization of economic generation.
There is no fully functioning industry without the entirety of the supply chain.
Buttigieg on "Morning Joe": “When the right thing to do is to roll up our sleeves and bring the airlines to the table and work with them, I prefer to do that, but we're also going to use our enforcement powers to make sure passengers have a better experience,” adding, “but remember at the end of the day, these are private businesses.”
Yep. At least he mentioned it.
IF THE SECRETARY IS SERIOUS...
...He should be rolling up his sleeves and convening forums to determine how the system can be its very best going forward. It needs to be much more than the airline companies. When the freight rail industry was struggling mightily in the late 1970s, multiple stakeholders were granted antitrust immunities to discuss sensitive commercial issues.
Look at what led to the Staggers Act.
Airlines, airports, and the respective supply chains that support each should be granted immunity to determine where investment is needed/where finite resources should be spared. If DOT is serious, they should be thinking about how to participate in training pilots, mechanics, dispatchers, and air traffic controllers. Ensuring sufficient TSA agents are assigned where demand justifies is also fundamental.
Neither government nor the weather are helping those on time numbers.
Reducing flights does not maximize economic generation. Often, the airline companies bully other stakeholders in the system. They have made themselves kingmakers. But it is going to take everyone to repair and rebuild in order to provide the customer with the experience they paid for.
#swelbar