Have a gripe about your flight? Pa. AG launches online aviation complaint form

Pennsylvania travelers facing issues such as flight delays, cancellations or boarding problems now can file complaints through an online form launched Wednesday by the state Attorney General’s Office.

Attorney General Michelle Henry said a national uptick in consumer complaints prompted her to act.

State residents and travelers who experience airline “issues” in Pennsylvania can submit complaints whether they purchased tickets directly from an airline or through an agent or third party.

“It is no longer a secret that Pennsylvanians and consumers across the country are finding less and less convenience when traveling by air,” Henry said in a statement.

“This form makes it easier for travelers who encounter problems to file a complaint, and is part of an ongoing initiative with federal partners to hold airlines and agents accountable when they mistreat consumers.”

The Attorney General’s Office is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation on the effort. Their deal, signed in April, authorizes the Attorney General’s Office to investigate consumer complaints against air carriers, ticket agents and other air travel companies.

Federal law puts the Transportation Department in charge of protecting travelers and handling airline complaints.

The partnership will allow the attorney general to work with consumers and companies to resolve complaints and refer them to the Transportation Department’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection for further action if necessary.

Pennsylvania was one of 15 states that signed memorandums of understanding with the federal department about airline travel complaints.

Travelers submitting complaint forms will need to provide information including a ticket number, flight itinerary, flight date, ticket date purchase, ticket price and form of payment, as well as specifics on the issues they experienced.

Officials will use that information when reviewing and resolving complaints.