To Leaders In Congress and Transportation Secretary Buttigieg:

For months, state law enforcement officials of both parties have been sounding alarms about airlines mistreating their customers. But because of a four-decades-old federal preemption law, those officials cannot take action to protect consumers, even as airlines have benefited from billions of dollars of government support, and even as federal regulators have refused to use their power.

That can and must change — right now.

We request that you pass new bipartisan legislation repealing that law and empowering Americans and their state regulators to take action against airlines when they abuse consumers. Such legislation is supported by a large coalition of consumer advocacy groups.

We also request that Secretary Buttigieg impose fines on airlines that delay or cancel flights for reasons that have nothing to do with weather. Secretary Buttigieg must also use his existing power to make sure airlines provide full and prompt refunds when they cancel flights.

After thousands of Americans have been stranded during this holiday season, airlines must be held accountable. We implore you to use your power to protect American consumers by passing this legislation.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

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