DOT redesigned air consumer website is one more step in protecting air travelers

It's no secret that I think our Aviation Consumer Protection & Enforcement Office is doing a great job. Our December action to strengthen consumer protections is certainly the most dramatic demonstration of that recently.

But the newly unveiled redesigned airconsumer.dot.gov is no less important.

Now, you'll notice that the first button on the new site is "File a consumer complaint with DOT." I've heard that airline gripes are under-reported because folks don't know how easy it is to file a complaint.

So we've given this button priority because we want it to be as easy as possible to let us know when airlines let passengers down. Whether it's service, safety and security, or disability and discrimination, we can't do anything if we don't hear about it.

So, if an airline pushes your buttons, go ahead and push our button!

If you're curious about the state of airline service, I urge you to check out the "Air Travel Consumer Report" feature, where we include statistics about flight delays, baggage mishaps, bumped passengers, and other complaints.

And please don't miss the "Travel Tips & Publications" button. That link in itself contains a world of useful information about--among other things--traveling with kids and pets, managing your baggage, and taking some simple steps to reduce your chances of encountering problems when traveling by air.

I think this redesigned site is going to be an important tool in air consumer protection, but it will only be that kind of tool if people use it.

So please tell your friends, and tell your family: when they're traveling by air, DOT's Aviation Consumer Protection & Enforcement Office has their backs!

Comments

[Corey]

You got me fired up, it is good to know that the DOT has our back. Though, actions speak louder than works, redesigning the site is a cool step. I hope that I won't have to press "the button", but it is nice knowing it is there.

[Michael E. Bailey]

This is great news for everyone who travels by air even only occasionally. It will benefit the passengers becaue they will have someone to turn to for help if something goes wrong on their trip. And it will benefit the airlines by causing them to perform better and make less mistakes. I have not had problems with an airline. But I had a friend who was my roommate when we went to London who had his bag put on another plane at Heathrow and it went on to Frankfurt. He eventually got it back but not until we were back home three or four weeks first. Best wishes, Michael E. Bailey.

[Danny Wall]

Folks, I understand that you are trying to help, but until DHS gets a clue I'm not sure how this "complaint" procedure to you guys is really going to help.

Though, to be clear, I absolutely laud your efforts; more agencies should follow your example.

Having said that, the biggest problem most people have with flying these days isn't the airlines ... it's the idiotic security.

Perhaps someone could persuade DHS to do the same thing you guys have?

[Jina Simpson]

Its definately good to hear that DOT is there for airline consumers. ya its really frustrating sometimes with the airlines. It is worth praising effort of DOT.

[create a free blog]

It will benefit the passengers becaue they will have someone to turn to for help if something goes wrong on their trip. And it will benefit the airlines by causing them to perform better and make less mistakes.

[Kalyan City]

Aviation Consumer Protection & Enforcement Office has done a great job by keep its new website more comprehensive and detailed, it is also easy to navigate, loads faster and uniquely designed using basic HTML.

Guide to report consumers' grievances is given first priority which reflects main motto of new website, indicating it is made for people and they are encouraged to make good use of it.

[Zac]

I'm very glad to see that DOT is taking the initiative to address consumer complaints. Thanks.

[tim]

Are you kidding? Has got our backs? lets see-- rude awful service-- charges for checked bags-- charges for carry on bags-- no food-- delayed flights-- no counter help to actually get you on the flight-- and its across the board-- there's no way to say just choose another airline if all of them are allowed to do it-- you guys must all be shills for the DOT if you're saying that they are protecting the consumer- they are absolutely NOT protecting the consumer.
I live in Asia-- and if air transport is any bellwhether-- we are a nation in serious decline-- go to Asia to see how service and profits are somehow Miraculously combined. How come they can do it there-- and we cannot do it here anymore? that's the real question...