The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) plays an important role in combating illegal charter activity by enforcing economic licensing and consumer protection requirements for air carriers and charter brokers. The office also reviews air travel complaints to identify concerning trends, conduct investigations, and pursue enforcement action when appropriate.
Arranging transportation with an unauthorized carrier can expose customers to services that do not meet federal requirements and may subject charter brokers to investigations and civil penalties. Direct air carriers must hold both FAA safety authority and the appropriate DOT economic authority, which they should be able to verify upon request. NATA members who suspect unfair or deceptive charter practices are encouraged to contact NATA’s Hector Huezo at hhuezo@nata.aero. For more information regarding OACP and its authorities, please see Aviation Consumer Protection | US Department of Transportation and Charters | US Department of Transportation.