WASHINGTON- A passenger has officially petitioned the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) to suspend the codeshare agreement between American Airlines (AA) and Qatar Airways (QR).

The complaint alleges deceptive and unfair practices by Qatar Airways following a disputed seat selection charge on a codeshare ticket, raising questions about consumer protections in airline partnerships.

Background of the Complaint

The incident occurred in May 2024 after the passenger booked a Qatar Airways ticket through American Airlines using a combination of AAdvantage miles and cash. According to the DOT filing, the ticket was for the complainant’s child, and they successfully selected seats on Qatar Airways’ website at no additional charge. 

The Doha-based carrier confirmed this seat selection in written form and also issued a boarding pass before the flight.

However, on the day of travel, Qatar Airways reportedly refused to honor the confirmed seats unless an additional fee of €150 ($156 at the time) was paid. The airline also declined to check the passenger’s baggage until the fee was resolved.

Qatar Airways and American Airlines Codeshare Violations

Following this unusual experience, the passenger argued that Qatar Airways’ actions violated both international airline standards and U.S. regulations, which prohibit airlines from increasing prices post-purchase or engaging in deceptive practices. 

Citing the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) definition of a boarding pass, the complainant stated that the issued boarding passes indicated the traveler’s entitlement to board the flight and sit in the pre-assigned seats.

“Qatar Airways’ refusal to honor its boarding passes and imposition of unexpected charges constitutes an unfair and deceptive trade practice harmful to consumers,” the complaint stated.

Disputed Charges and Time Lost

At the check-in counter, the passenger presented evidence confirming the seat selection was free. However, Qatar Airways staff, including a manager, insisted on payment. 

Although the fee was eventually reduced to €51.95 ($54.09), the complainant was required to process the payment at a different counter, causing significant delays.

“In total, Qatar Airways’ actions consumed 43 minutes of my time and resulted in an unjustified payment,” the consumer alleged.

Request for DOT Action

The complainant has called on the DOT to take decisive measures, including:

1. Suspending Qatar Airways’ codeshare authority with U.S. carriers.
2. Revoking American Airlines’ exemption for its codeshare agreements with Qatar Airways.

The petition argues that these steps are necessary to ensure compliance with U.S. consumer protection laws and to discourage unfair practices in international airline partnerships.

“Suspending Qatar Airways’ codeshare authority provides a strong incentive for both carriers to comply with U.S. regulations while encouraging American Airlines to monitor its partnerships more diligently,” the complaint concluded.

Broader Complications 

This occurrence highlights potential pitfalls in codeshare agreements, where passengers often face challenges due to differing policies between partner airlines.

This case underscores the need for clarity and accountability in codeshare operations, particularly when consumer rights are at stake. As of now, the DOT has not commented on the complaint or announced any investigation.

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Source: Simple Flying