DOT Watchdog Applauds Appeals Court Decision as a Win for Passengers

Washington, D.C. (July 30, 2024)—On Monday evening, a U.S. appeals court temporarily blocked a new Department of Transportation (DOT) regulation pending a full review and final decision. The regulation would undermine the payment structure currently used by airline passengers to check a bag or change an itinerary. 

The three-judge panel on the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals noted the new rule “likely exceeds DOT’s authority.”

Jackson Shedelbower, executive director of the Center for Transportation Policy, released the following statement:

“The federal court’s decision to pause a new government regulation on airlines this week should be applauded. The decision is an incremental win for passengers who would inevitably pay the price associated with the government overreach. Rather than micromanaging private businesses, the Department of Transportation should favor strong competition between airlines to deliver better results for U.S. consumers.”