US transportation regulators can again hold public hearings on airline abuses

The US Department of Transportation wants to bring back public hearings for investigating unfair or deceptive airline practices. This means the agency could publicly question airlines about things like hidden fees or canceled flights.

For years, the Department of Transportation has had less power to publicly scrutinize airlines when passengers complain about unfair practices. Reinstating these hearing procedures gives the agency a tool to put airlines on the spot in public forums. This could make it harder for airlines to quietly settle complaints or avoid accountability for widespread issues.