Why didn't they recommend filling a complaint with the DoT?

[Ariel A.]

Share a bunch of stories and show how a reporter can get some form of refund for readers but why not recommend filling with the DoT? Is this some secret kept from regular people or something?

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/04/travel/japan-airlines-downgrade-first-class.html?ugrp=u&unlocked_article_code=1.iE0.93ge.MEpwN2PqQRv9&smid=url-share

[AJK]

Share a bunch of stories and show how a reporter can get some form of refund for readers but why not recommend filling with the DoT? Is this some secret kept from regular people or something?

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/04/travel/japan-airlines-downgrade-first-class.html?ugrp=u&unlocked_article_code=1.iE0.93ge.MEpwN2PqQRv9&smid=url-share

Did you read the article?

If the airlines stymie any future refund requests, I suggest contacting a company like AirAdvisor or registering a complaint with the appropriate federal agency, like U.S. Department of Transportation.

[Ariel A.]

Did you read the article?

Did you see a point in what was written? Collecting stories about customers who are wronged, but not really giving people any solutions (unless you happen to be a times journalist or can spend hours with customer service/get lucky by booking amexgbt).

My hope is this is testing the waters for if it's worth it for The Times to do a large investigative piece on airlines that will shellshock some people somewhere maybe and make flying better for more people, but idk.

[AsherO]

My hope is this is testing the waters for if it's worth it for The Times to do a large investigative piece on airlines that will shellshock some people somewhere maybe and make flying better for more people, but idk.

A single story, no matter how big, won’t move the needle. Only regulation or legislation (same difference?) would move the needle.