As the U.S. Department of Transportation launches a price-gouging investigation looking at air fares in the wake of the deadly derailment of an Amtrak train in Philadelphia in May, Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines said it did not increase fares after the crash and instead lowered some prices.
The DOT said it has sent inquiries to Delta, American, United, Southwest and JetBlue seeking pricing information in response to consumer complaints about “irregular fares” after the May 12 Amtrak crash.
“The idea that any business would seek to take advantage of stranded rail passengers in the wake of such a tragic event is unacceptable,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx in a written statement Friday. He added that the department will “pursue a thorough investigation” of the complaints.
In response, Delta said it “took steps to ensure affected travelers could affordably and conveniently reach their destinations.”
Delta said it did not raise fares after the crash, and instead, “Delta lowered its highest Shuttle prices by nearly 50 percent, to about $300 each way, for travel between New York, Boston and Washington, D.C.
Delta also said it honored existing Amtrak tickets for travel between the three cities, waived change fees on those Delta Shuttle routes and added flights and seats.
