’Tis the Season for Trimming Travel Regulations

This op-ed originally appeared in National Review.

‘Tis the season for packed departure gates, holiday homecomings, and — this year — welcome regulatory relief for the travel sector. The Trump administration is working to roll back overly strict Biden-era rules that micromanage how airlines do business. Critics claim the White House is playing the part of the Grinch, but trimming unnecessary government red tape is, in reality, a much-needed gift for holiday fliers.

Take the latest government regulation that Trump is putting on the naughty list: a mandate implemented under President Biden requiring airlines to issue refunds simply because a flight number changes after a ticket is purchased. In modern air travel, flight renumbering and passenger rebooking are routine tools used to keep itineraries on track — especially with winter weather.

A different flight number three months after booking doesn’t necessarily mean a trip was canceled or materially disrupted. More often than not, it signals that airlines are working behind the scenes to get passengers where they need to go with as few headaches as possible. That kind of operational flexibility should be encouraged, not penalized by government bureaucrats.

The Trump administration recognizes how shortsighted and impractical this rule is. But freezing its enforcement — along with other deregulatory moves up until this point — should only be the beginning. After all, federal air travel regulations make Santa’s workshop inventory seem like a Post-It note.

Of course, rules that protect public safety are non-negotiable. Just as automakers must meet crash-test standards and include airbags and seat belts, airlines adhere to their own rigorous safety protocols. Mandatory pilot training, strict maintenance requirements, and standardized onboard safety procedures are a few examples.

But beyond these core guardrails, Washington has no business micromanaging airline operations, including how companies handle payments, assign seats, or advertise. Why? Because airlines already function in a competitive marketplace, which gives consumers enormous leverage to influence business offerings without the unintended consequences of government tinkering in the free market.

More than a dozen major carriers compete fiercely on prices, flight schedules, loyalty perks, and customer experience. If one airline frustrates its customers, travelers don’t write a complaint letter — they switch carriers. And the popularity of social media gives passengers even more sway. A TikTok or Instagram reel chronicling a single bad experience can reach thousands or millions of people.

Competition is the most powerful motivator of good business practices. Take your local gym, for example. The equipment stays clean and the hours stay convenient, not because the government mandates it, but because customers can easily work out somewhere else. And just as in air travel, different tiers of fitness centers — ranging from discount gyms to luxury facilities — deliver unique services that best fit customer budgets.

Critics of the administration’s deregulatory approach are also ignoring historical reality. Prior to the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, the federal government dictated airline routes, prices, and day-to-day operations. The result was a rigid, overpriced system that put air travel out of reach for most Americans.

Once Uncle Sam loosened its grip on the travel economy, flying became accessible to the vast majority of Americans. Ticket prices fell by as much as $1,000, while passenger volumes soared. Today, nearly nine in ten Americans have flown commercially thanks to a competitive marketplace that prioritizes affordability, choice, and flexibility.

Eight million Americans are expected to fly this December — a seasonal rush that won’t be without turbulence. But the best way for Washington to help is by clearing the runway of unnecessary government red tape, not piling on more of it. The Trump administration would be wise to stay the course.

Jackson Shedelbower is the executive director of the Center for Transportation Policy.