FAA Launches New System for Air Travel Service Complaints

The agency introduced a new online portal, replacing its outdated 1990s-era process.

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American Airlines A321. [Credit: Wikimedia Commons]
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Key Takeaways:

  • The FAA has launched the Aviation Complaint, Enforcement, and Reporting System (ACERS), an online portal that modernizes and streamlines the process for submitting air travel service complaints, replacing an outdated system from the 1990s.
  • ACERS provides real-time notifications to involved parties, significantly reducing the prior month-long delay in receiving submissions, and also enhances the protection of aviation consumer data.
  • Consumers can now file complaints, comments, and compliments online, with the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) tracking submissions and directing them to the appropriate parties while encouraging direct responses to consumers.
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The FAA has announced an updated system for travelers submitting air travel service complaints, replacing the outdated process that the agency said was developed in the 1990s. 

A part of the Aviation Complaint, Enforcement, and Reporting System (ACERS), consumers can now file complaints, comments, and compliments through an online portal. The agency claims that this new system streamlines processes for both consumers and airlines. Under the new system, any time a ticket is submitted through the ACERS portal, involved parties will be notified in real time both in the portal and by email. According to the FAA, it previously took over a month for airlines and ticket agents to receive submissions.

“I’m committed to making USDOT work better for the American people. By modernizing our technology and getting rid of outdated legacy systems, we can better serve the traveling public and maximize efficiencies,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. 

The agency also noted that the new system further protects aviation consumers’ data if they choose to make a submission. 

Complaints are tracked through the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP), which encourages consumers to submit complaints only “when an airline or travel agency is not able to resolve an air travel problem to your satisfaction.”

OACP states that they are not able to respond to each complaint individually, but that they do ensure that each complaint is directed to the appropriate party and encourages the involved parties to respond to consumers’ complaints directly, along with a copy of the response to the OACP. 

Parris Clarke

Parris is a writer and content producer for Firecrown. When Parris isn't chasing stories, you can find him watching or playing basketball.
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