Velázquez Introduces Bill to Stop Airline Price Gouging During Disasters

Washington, DC – After airline ticket fares skyrocketed in the lead-up to Hurricane Milton, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has introduced legislation to cap airfares when a disaster has been declared.
 
Under Velázquez’s bill, the “AirFAIR Act”, when a state, territory or U.S. possession makes a disaster declaration, airlines would be prohibited from hiking prices over 30%. Under the bill, the Department of Transportation would have the authority to further reduce the maximum allowed price increase during catastrophes.
 
“Floridians attempting to flee Hurricane Milton were faced with exorbitant prices for airline tickets on typically affordable routes. In the lead-up to a natural disaster, Americans’ safety should be the only priority, not making a profit, said Congresswoman Velázquez. “Price-gouging when residents are trying to flee the path of a hurricane is unconscionable and could put lives at risk.”   
 
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and the lead-up to Hurricane Milton, there have been widespread reports of airlines drastically increasing prices. Some consumers noted price increases from $200 to over $1000 for a one-way ticket. Other travelers posted on social media about fares as high as $2,351 for flights from Tampa to St. Louis. Airlines have denied price-gouging and claimed that prices on flights from Florida were capped.  
 
“When ticket prices become too high, those who might otherwise evacuate during a disaster could be left stranded, putting their lives in danger,” Velázquez continued. “This bill will require airlines to take sensible, responsible measures to keep prices in check.”

For a copy of the bill, click here. 
 

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