From a public
relations standpoint, this does not look good. United States Department of Transportation
(DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg said that most major
airlines in America have declined
to commit to enhancing benefits for military members and their families.
That
includes Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines.
Low-cost
carrier Spirit Airlines announced on Memorial Day that it would
increase its current benefits to military members and their families.
Buttigieg
said most airlines declined to "make clear and enforceable commitments to
U.S. service members and their families," but the carriers countered by
saying that if they commit to any further benefits, it makes them liable to
DOT enforcement if they fail to comply.
Airlines for America, the trade group representing most major airlines, criticized the secretary’s plan to show a dashboard of airlines offering benefits, saying it “shows only a fraction of what airlines offer service members” and “fails to reflect the numerous benefits carriers already offer.”
The
dashboard shows airlines that are willing to drop cancellation or change
fees if a service member is deployed or receives military orders.
"Service
members and their families make extraordinary commitments and sacrifices for
this country, and they deserve support and recognition whenever they fly,"
Buttigieg said.
Active
duty military members comprise less than one percent of the U. S. population.
Spirit, Allegiant and Frontier all offer strong military enhancements.
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