Transportation IG says more staff needed to deal with airline delays

Transportation Department Inspector General Kenneth Mead called Tuesday for an increase in the department's enforcement budget and staff to keep up with rising consumer complaints about delays in airline service.

A DOT IG report issued Monday showed the airlines have made some progress in informing customers about delays, increasing lost baggage claims and in quoting the lowest fares. But it noted that the airlines' voluntary plans do little to address the biggest source of consumer frustration: delays and cancellations.

The FAA estimated that one in four flights were delayed in 2000, and noted the problem is becoming more severe.

Mead warned Senate Commerce Chairman John McCain, R-Ariz., to "avoid getting down in the weeds and trying to legislate good service" on the part of the nation's airlines, although Mead noted that a number of his office's recommendations would require either a change in law or regulation.

For example, the IG report's suggestion that airlines disclose the percentage of time that particular flights are delayed and set up internal quality assurance systems would lend itself to legislation, Mead said. But among the things that could be left to the airlines could include when a particular flight that has been delayed should return to the gate.

While Mead suggested the committee "let the airlines follow up," on the IG report, he also said airlines must pay more attention to consumers.

Meanwhile, the airlines are still hoping the voluntary measures they put in place last year will be allowed. Air Transport Association of America President and CEO Carol Hallett told the Commerce panel that "if there are going to be laws, it would be far preferable at the federal level" rather than at the state level.

But Hallett warned against the government working on a "one-size-fits-all approach."

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., who announced Monday he was also working on legislation, said "voluntary measures alone are not going to provide significant relief," and urged the Senate to "stop giving the airlines a free ride."

Also, in a report released Monday, the Center for Responsive Politics noted that the airline industry gave $6.5 million in soft money, PAC and individual contributions during the 1999-2000 election cycle.