Airline Passengers:
Are Their Consumer Rights Protected?
CED-78-143: Published: Jul 20, 1978. Publicly Released: Jul 20, 1978.
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The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) altered the usual buyer--seller relationship between passengers and airlines by allowing the airlines to limit their responsibility and liability; this is often to the passenger's detriment. CAB is responsible for the economic regulation of domestic airlines; it regulates fares, routes, and certain airline responsibilities.
In buying an airline ticket, the passenger consents to the tariffs setting forth the conditions of transportation. Because tariffs have the force of law, passengers are charged with knowledge of their terms even though they are voluminous and often complex. A review of tariffs indicated that: (1) tariffs can infringe on consumer protection by shielding airlines from responsibilities; (2) tariffs lack uniformity; (3) they are often ambiguous and complex; and (4) tariffs change frequently. The government's role in altering the buyer--seller relationship needs to be reformed. CAB relies on the complaints it receives as a primary source of information. Without a broadened information base, CAB cannot be sure its efforts effectively address vital air passenger issues. The continually increasing volume of complaints strained CAB resources. Staff time intended for consumer problem identification and policymaking must often be diverted to handling and routing complaint mail. Enforcement efforts are hampered by lack of authority to impose civil penalties.
Mar 2, 2021
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COVID-19 Pandemic:
Preliminary Observations on Efforts toward and Factors Affecting the Aviation Industry's RecoveryGAO-21-412T: Published: Mar 2, 2021. Publicly Released: Mar 2, 2021.
Feb 18, 2021
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General Aviation:
Stakeholders Expressed Mixed Views of FAA Policies on Private Pilot Expense SharingGAO-21-285: Published: Feb 18, 2021. Publicly Released: Feb 18, 2021.
Jan 28, 2021
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Unmanned Aircraft Systems:
FAA Could Strengthen Its Implementation of a Drone Traffic Management System by Improving Communication and Measuring PerformanceGAO-21-165: Published: Jan 28, 2021. Publicly Released: Jan 28, 2021.
Jan 7, 2021
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Aircraft Noise:
Better Information Sharing Could Improve Responses to Washington, D.C. Area Helicopter Noise ConcernsGAO-21-200: Published: Jan 7, 2021. Publicly Released: Jan 7, 2021.
Dec 18, 2020
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Automated Technologies:
DOT Should Take Steps to Ensure Its Workforce Has Skills Needed to Oversee SafetyGAO-21-197: Published: Dec 18, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 18, 2020.
Dec 17, 2020
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Emergency Responder Safety:
States and DOT Are Implementing Actions to Reduce Roadside CrashesGAO-21-166: Published: Dec 17, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 17, 2020.
Nov 24, 2020
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Reagan National Airport:
Information on Effects of Federal Statute Limiting Long-Distance FlightsGAO-21-176: Published: Nov 24, 2020. Publicly Released: Nov 24, 2020.
Nov 19, 2020
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Federal-Aid Highways:
States and Local Governments Reported Benefits to Federal Highway Fund Swapping, but Impacts Cannot be Definitively DeterminedGAO-21-88: Published: Oct 20, 2020. Publicly Released: Nov 19, 2020.
Nov 16, 2020
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Aviation Certification:
FAA Needs to Strengthen Its Design Review Process for Small AirplanesGAO-21-85: Published: Nov 16, 2020. Publicly Released: Nov 16, 2020.
Nov 9, 2020
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Aviation Safety:
FAA's Office of Aviation Safety Should Take Additional Actions to Ensure Its Workforce Has Needed SkillsGAO-21-94: Published: Nov 9, 2020. Publicly Released: Nov 9, 2020.
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