WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. airlines have ramped up an aggressive lobbying campaign that seeks nothing less than converting the government from industry regulator to business ally.
Delta, American and United are pressing the Obama administration to protect them from what they say is unfair competition from foreign airlines able to sell cheaper tickets because of government subsidies or lower wages for workers.
U.S. carriers are also trying to roll back or forestall consumer protection rules, including a requirement that airlines show ticket-buyers the full cost of their fares, including taxes and fees, instead of burying the information in fine print.
They are getting results.
At the urging of the big three and the Air Line Pilots Association, 262 House members and 22 senators have written the administration for a freeze in the number of flights to the U.S. by Persian Gulf airlines Emirates, Etihad and Qatar and an opening of discussions with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar about whether those carriers are violating aviation treaties with the U.S.