NACA Statement on Executive Order Impacting Commercial Aviation

On July 7, 2021, NACA President and CEO George Novak issued the following statement in response to press inquiries regarding a potential Executive Order impacting the commercial aviation industry:

NACA understands that the administration will be issuing an Executive Order within the next few weeks that will expand consumer protection in a number of industries, including aviation. In part, it will implement a number of outstanding consumer mandates from the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, including a requirement that passenger carriers refund to passengers any ancillary fees paid for services that were not provided. Under this mandate, when baggage is not provided within 12 hours for domestic flights — or 24 hours for international flights — fees charged for carrying the bags must be refunded.

NACA’s members have always believed that consumers should be fully educated about their options and have the ability to select the services they purchase when traveling. We also understand and are pleased that the Executive Order will direct the Department of Transportation to review its airline competition policies, including currently restricted access to slots in congested markets that have hampered passenger choice among airlines.