U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez introduced a congressional bill last week to prevent airlines from price gouging during disasters like the deadly hurricanes that hit southern states recently.
The “AirFAIR Act” seeks to prohibit airlines from hiking prices over 30% after a state or U.S. territory declares a disaster. Also cited as the “Airline Freeze of Astronomical Increases in Rates Act,” it would also give the Department of Transportation authority to reduce further the maximum allowed price increase during natural disasters.
Before and after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, consumers witnessed widespread increases in the price of flights departing cities that were expected to be in the path of destruction. Some witnessed a dramatic increase, with the price of some one-way tickets jumping from $200 to over $1000.
“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 U.S. Rep. Velázquez in a statement. “Price-gouging when residents are trying to flee the path of a hurricane is unconscionable and could put lives at risk.”
The bill also calls for the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct a study on ticket agents or air carriers that have “engaged in unfair practices in the sale of such tickets in circumstances related to a disaster or emergency.” Within a year of the bill’s passage, they would be required to submit a study outlining the results to Congress for review.
Since claims of airline price gouging have gone viral on social media, the carriers denied that they raised prices and insisted that fares on flights from Florida were capped. Florida is also investigating over a hundred price gouging complaints during Milton, mostly regarding fuel, water and accommodation.
Several state laws prevent price gouging of essentials, but airlines are not often noted. It can be harder to distinguish price gouging in that sector because airlines often raise prices in the days and hours ahead of scheduled flights.
“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.”
The denouncing calls for price gouging also came from the White House during this disastrous period.
“To any company that—or individual that might use this crisis to exploit people who are desperate for help through illegal fraud or price gouging—whether it be at the gas pump, the airport, or the hotel counter—know that we are monitoring these behaviors and the situation on the ground very closely and anyone taking advantage of consumers will be held accountable,” said Vice President Kamala Harris.
Velázquez represents New York’s 7th congressional district, which includes the Queens neighborhoods of Long Island City, Astoria, Sunnyside, Maspeth, Ridgewood and Woodhaven, and the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Bushwick, Clinton Hill, Downtown Brooklyn, East New York, East Williamsburg, Fort Greene, Greenpoint and Williamsburg.
