Opposing view: Fliers don’t need help from Washington

Today’s travelers have more choices than ever before, and it’s clear that airline passengers are capable of navigating their holiday travel plans without assistance from Washington.

Fares are historically low, customer satisfaction is at its highest levels in decades, and U.S. airlines set new records for operational performance throughout 2017. Airlines are delivering on our commitment to make flying better, and travelers are taking note.

These positive trends also underscore how a more effective, efficient and modern approach to regulation can accelerate growth and innovation.

Commonsense reforms benefiting travelers are already taking hold: This month, the Transportation Department stopped two misguided plans aimed at allowing the federal government to dictate basic airline business practices, which history shows ends badly for consumers or their wallets.

Typically, the best airfares can be found on an airline’s own website. To introduce their products and services to new customers, carriers can also market their inventory through online travel agencies (OTAs), such as Travelocity or Expedia. However, these partnerships are an extension of the airline brand, and like any other business, carriers need the autonomy to choose which OTAs they do business with to ensure that their products are marketed, displayed and sold under the highest standards of transparency and customer service, no matter where customers buy tickets.

DOT’s decision to let airlines and third parties determine their commercial parameters is a welcome shift from Washington’s longtime micromanagement and regulatory interference.

U.S. airlines offer a wide menu of choices at price points that ensure flying remains accessible and affordable. It would be tough to find an industry that’s more transparent, as all pricing is available at the click of a button.

We applaud the administration’s commitment to ushering in a smarter era of regulation, which is a welcome change for travelers.