Thread by @WilliamJMcGee

Did you catch @SecretaryPete on cable news today talking about a new rule on flight refunds?

I’m a former airline operations manager & an FAA licensed dispatcher. I’ve spent 37 years working in and around the industry. Here’s what you need to know. 🧵

2/ This summer has been one of the worst times to fly — ever. More flights were canceled in the first 6 months of 2022 than in all of 2021.

I’ve never seen anything like it.
newsweek.com/flight-cancell…

3/ We all know it’s not a one-off problem. As airlines have consolidated, fares have gone up, service has gone down, and routes have been slashed.

Consumer advocates like me have pleaded with the @USDOT — over multiple administrations — to stand up to the airlines.

4/ Making sure you get a refund when your flight is canceled is a LONG OVERDUE part of that. So, we were excited to see the @USDOT's new rule.
transportation.gov/briefing-room/…

5/ There’s good news — like defining what a “significant delay” is — and there’s bad news.

This rule won’t take effect for 2 to 3 years…at the earliest.

6/ And airlines already owe consumers $10 billion from the past few years — but the mandatory cash refund rule does not work retroactively.

7/ However — @SecretaryPete could get money back to people TODAY.

He should fine the airlines for excessive cancellations (after taking $50B+ in bailout funds!) OR for refusing to give consumers back the $10B+.

But he hasn't.

8/ Meanwhile, @SecretaryPete has been on TV saying that he imposed the largest fine ever against an airline.

But that fine was last November, was slashed from $25M to $2M, & wasn’t even against a US airline. It was @AirCanada.

9/ @SecretaryPete has yet to impose so much as a $1 fine against any U.S. airline for unpaid refunds or excessive flight cancellations.

The truth is the airlines won’t change their behavior anytime soon unless @USDOT gets more forceful.

10/10 So yes, the new rule is a promising start. But @SecretaryPete can act now. Passengers deserve it.