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The
investigation is being handled by the Justice Department’s
antitrust division and the Transportation Department.
The administration has successfully blocked three airline deals
in the past four years, and President Joe Biden has criticized
airlines for charging “junk fees.”
However, the timing of Thursday's announcement — less than three
months before Biden leaves office, and with the race to succeed
him considered a toss-up — casts uncertainty over the fate of
the investigation.
“Unfortunately, the timing of this 'broad inquiry', which was
announced 12 days before a national election, suggests political
motivations,” trade group Airlines for America said in a
statement.
Four airlines dominate the U.S. airline industry — United,
Delta, American and Southwest. They are the product of mergers
that eliminated several major airlines.
The airline industry says that there is plenty of competition,
however. The industry points to Transportation Department data
that shows average U.S. airfares have generally declined for
many years, although that has been partly offset by higher fees
for baggage, premium seats and other items.
“Survey after survey shows that airline customer satisfaction is
at an all-time,” Airlines for America said. “Air travel is at an
all-time high.”
In the second quarter of this year, the average ticket was $382,
according to the government figures. That is down from $404 in
the same quarter of last year and $438 in the same period of
2019, before the coronavirus pandemic.
The departments said they would they also look into the way air
travel is priced and sold, and airline frequent-flyer programs.
The agencies said they will take public comments until Dec. 23.
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