The Biden administration is launching an investigation of competition in air travel

The Biden management is investigating nan authorities of title successful aerial travel

WASHINGTON -- The Biden management said Thursday it is launching a wide investigation into nan authorities of title successful aerial travel, including nan effect of mergers and associated ventures betwixt airlines.

The investigation is being handled by nan Justice Department’s antitrust section and nan Transportation Department.

The administration has successfully blocked 3 hose deals successful nan past 4 years, and President Joe Biden has criticized airlines for charging “junk fees.”

However, nan timing of Thursday's announcement — little than 3 months earlier Biden leaves office, and pinch nan race to win him considered a toss-up — casts uncertainty complete nan destiny of nan investigation.

“Unfortunately, nan timing of this 'broad inquiry', which was announced 12 days earlier a nationalist election, suggests governmental motivations,” waste and acquisition group Airlines for America said successful a statement.

Four airlines predominate nan U.S. hose manufacture — United, Delta, American and Southwest. They are nan merchandise of mergers that eliminated respective awesome airlines.

The hose manufacture says that location is plentifulness of competition, however. The manufacture points to Transportation Department data that shows mean U.S. airfares person mostly declined for galore years, though that has been partially offset by higher fees for baggage, premium seats and different items.

“Survey aft study shows that hose customer restitution is astatine an all-time,” Airlines for America said. “Air recreation is astatine an all-time high.”

In nan 2nd 4th of this year, nan mean summons was $382, according to nan authorities figures. That is down from $404 successful nan aforesaid 4th of past twelvemonth and $438 successful nan aforesaid play of 2019, earlier nan coronavirus pandemic.

The departments said they would they besides look into nan measurement aerial recreation is priced and sold, and hose frequent-flyer programs.

The agencies said they will return nationalist comments until Dec. 23.