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DOT/OST RIN: 2105-AE11 Publication ID: Fall 2014 
Title: Airline Pricing Transparency and Other Consumer Protection Issues 
Abstract:

This rulemaking action would enhance protections for air travelers and to improve the air travel environment, including clarification  and codification of the Department's interpretation of the statutory definition of ticket agent.” This action would also require airlines and ticket agents to disclose at all points of sale the fees for certain basic ancillary services associated with the air transportation consumers are buying or considering buying. This action would also enhance additional airline passenger protections, such as: expanding the pool of reporting” carriers; requiring enhanced reporting by mainline carriers for their domestic code-share partner operations; requiring large travel agents to adopt minimum customer service standards; codifying the statutory requirements that carriers and ticket agents disclose any code-share arrangements on their websites; and prohibiting unfair and deceptive practices such as undisclosed biasing and post-purchase price increases. This action would require ticket agents to disclose the carriers whose tickets they sell in order to avoid having consumers mistakenly believe they are searching all possible flight options for a particular city-pair market when in fact there may be other options available. Additionally, this action would correct drafting errors and make minor changes to the Department's second Enhancing Airline Passenger Protections rule to conform to guidance issued by the Department's Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings (Enforcement Office) regarding its interpretation of the rule.

 
Agency: Department of Transportation(DOT)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 14 CFR 244    14 CFR 250    14 CFR 253    14 CFR 259    14 CFR 399   
Legal Authority: 49 USC 41712    49 USC 40101    49 USC 41702   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  05/23/2014  79 FR 29970   
NPRM Comment Period Extended  08/06/2014  79 FR 45731   
NPRM Comment Period End  08/21/2014 
NPRM: Extended Comment Period End  09/22/2014 
Analyzing Comments  12/00/2014 
Additional Information: Related Final Rule issued on April 25, 2011 (76 FR 23110, RIN 2105-AD92).
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes  Government Levels Affected: Undetermined 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Information URL: www.regulations.gov   Public Comment URL: www.regulations.gov  
RIN Data Printed in the FR: Yes 
Related RINs: Related to 2105-AD72, Related to 2105-AD92 
Agency Contact:
Blane A Workie
Principal Deputy Assistant General Counsel
Department of Transportation
Office of the Secretary
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE,
Washington, DC 20590
Phone:202 366-9342
TDD Phone:202 755-7687
Fax:202 366-7152
Email: blane.workie@dot.gov