Biden Administration Launches Inquiry into Air Travel Competition

In a significant move aimed at reshaping the airline industry, the U.S. Justice Department's Antitrust Division and the Transportation Department (USDOT) announced on Thursday a broad public inquiry into the state of competition in air travel. This initiative aligns with President Joe Biden's commitment to enhancing airline competition and curbing consolidation efforts within the industry.

President Joe Biden has prioritized boosting airline competition, advocating for policies that protect consumers and ensure an energetic air travel market. Recently, the USDOT opened an investigation into significant airlines' frequent flyer loyalty programs, urging them to implement new customer service protections. This scrutiny comes in the wake of the Justice Department's successful lawsuit to block JetBlue Airways' planned $3.8 billion acquisition of ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines. Additionally, the DOJ has worked to terminate JetBlue's partnership with American Airlines in the northeastern U.S., signaling a firm stance against consolidation.

The inquiry's timing has raised eyebrows just 12 days before the November elections. Airlines for America, a group representing major U.S. carriers, suggested that political motivations may be at play, asserting that competition among airlines is robust. They claim that U.S. air travel is thriving, with airfares at historic lows when adjusted for inflation.

The Justice and Transportation Departments are actively seeking public input on various issues related to air travel by December 23. Areas of interest include airline mergers, anti-competitive practices, airport access, and pricing strategies. The inquiry aims to gather insights on how these factors impact the availability and affordability of air travel options for consumers.

For years, antitrust regulators approved multiple mergers that led to a landscape dominated by four major airlines, American, Delta, United, and Southwest, controlling approximately 80% of the domestic passenger market. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the necessity of real competition, stating, "Good service and fair prices depend on ensuring that there is real competition, which is especially challenging for the many American communities that have lost service amid airline consolidation."

In related news, Frontier Airlines is reportedly considering a renewed bid for Spirit Airlines. This move could coincide with Spirit's restructuring during bankruptcy proceedings, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. This development underscores the ongoing dynamics within the airline industry and the potential shifts in competition and consumer choice.

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