Realizing that cheap airfare and cheap travel is not enough, even after telling the airlines that they may no longer leave travelers stranded in planes on tarmacs for over three hours, the DOT (Department of Transportation) has said that:
1) Airlines may no longer schedule chronically delayed flights and those that do will face enforcement action.
2) Airlines must select an employee to scrutinize the impact of flight delays and cancellations and respond in a meaningful and timely manner to flier complaints and give fliers information where to file complaints.
3) Airlines must display flight delay information on their websites for all domestic flights.
4) Airlines must adopt customer service plans and monitor compliance.
5) Airlines are not allowed to retroactively make meaningful changes that could have a negative impact on travelers after tickets have been purchased.
It looks like the DOT is finally taking its responsibility to look out for fliers well being seriously. The DOT announced that it will review its rules in an attempt to further strengthen protections for passengers.