Last week I learned about the disgusting, Orwellian-named “Transparent Airfares Act of 2014” that reverses DOT regulations requiring airline advertisements to accurately reflect the cost of the flight.
Christopher Elliot gives some good background on the issue here:
Unfortunately, it seems to be sailing through congress with little to no opposition, so enjoy paying $250 for your “$29” fare!
My main point in writing this diary is not to protest this proposed legislation, as ridiculous as it is, but rather to compare the response I got from Rep. Capuano and Sen. Markey’s staff when I called them about the issue. Both gentlemen sit on the transportation committee of their respective bodies and, based on their records, would be sympathetic to my concerns about it. The response of their staff was night and day.
Rep. Capuano’s office: No, I haven’t heard of the legislation. Let me get you in touch with our policy expert. He’s in a meeting right now, here’s his voicemail.
(an hour later, my phone rings)
Thank you so much Mr. Graly for your message. Let me let you know, I haven’t had a chance to talk to the boss yet, but here is what we’ve been working on related to the issue. [We talk for about 15-20 minutes about the regulation of airfare pricing.]
Sen. Markey’s office: No, I haven’t heard of the legislation. I will let the Senator know of your concerns. [I continue to try to describe the issue and why it’s important.] (interrupting me after 20 seconds with voice dripping with sarcasm) I’m sure the Senator cares *deeply* about the issue. I will let him know you called. (Interrupting me sarcastically again.) Thank you *so much* for your call. I will relay you concerns to to the Senator. [Eventually I give up.]
I understand that when you’re getting 50 phone calls a day about an issue, you’re just taking count of how many calls how many fall on each side. But if there’s pending legislation that you’re unfamiliar with, you sit on the committee that will address the issue, and a constituent calls you with detailed concerns, at least giving them the time of day seems the minimum standard congressional staff should adhere to. I was highly impressed with Rep. Capuano’s office, which really went above and beyond. In comparison, the rude and dismissive attitude of Sen. Markey’s staffer was appalling.
