Airline Penalties raise under Obama Administration

Fines obligatory against U.S. airlines are sky rocketing under the Obama administration as the Department of Transportation steps up its regulatory enforcement.

The DOT has almost doubled fines on the airline industry under the Obama administration in contrast with the last two years of Bush’s presidency, federal data shows.

Fines related to safety have also risen, increasing 66% year-over-year. The stern enforcements have gathered fans and critics.

Some say the new approach could depress airlines from self-reporting grave problems, while others say the new attitude can defend consumers and force airlines to stay on top of safety procedures.