President Bush just announced measures that will improve holiday air travel, requiring airlines to provide greater compensation for lost bags and imposing “tougher penalties” when airlines fail to notify travelers of hidden fees.
So what ‘s wrong with that?
The airlines love it. Here’s what they had to say about today’s proposals:
ATA applauds President Bush, the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration for their efforts to improve the travel experience for passengers over the upcoming holidays. The positive measures announced today are steps in the right direction. ATA and the airlines will continue to work with the federal government and airports to complement the announced initiatives and to provide a safe and enjoyable holiday travel experience.
Why the kind words? Could it be because the lobbyists had their hands all over these new regulations? Could it be that the new rules are essentially meaningless?
Bingo.
