Ticket Agent Fined for Not Disclosing Airline Carrier
DOT has fined a ticket agent for violating code-share disclosure rules.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has taken action against ticket agent JTB USA, Inc. for failing to disclose to customers when flights were being operated by airlines different than the flights they booked though a code-sharing agreement. The company has been fined $60,000 and ordered to refrain from further violations.
JTB USA was selling tickers to passengers without informing them prior to purchase that the flight was under a code agreement. Airlines and ticketing agencies alike are mandated by DOT to disclose the corporate name of the transporting airline to the public.
"When passengers buy an airline ticket, they have a right to know which airline will be operating their flight," U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement on the DOT website. "I hope this penalty sends the message that DOT will continue to take enforcement action when we find violations of our rules."
Earlier this year, DOT's Aviation Enforcement Office staff called the company to inquire about flights. Each time, JTB USA failed to disclose the operating carrier.