Letter to Airlines - Implement Additional Practices to Aid those Devastated by Hurricanes Maria and Irma

Letter

Dear Mr. Calio:

I write to thank the passenger and cargo air carrier industry for all the work it is doing to help with disaster efforts in the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria and request that the industry increase those efforts to ensure it is doing everything it can to aid our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) as they recover from the most devastating situation that the islands have experienced in our lifetimes. Reducing costs for passengers traveling out of the disaster zones and individuals shipping goods to the disaster zones will help boost ongoing recovery efforts.

The humanitarian work that the air carrier industry has engaged in since the storms has played a vital role in the recovery effort. Over the past several weeks, the passenger and cargo carriers have helped to evacuate thousands of Puerto Rican and USVI residents and tourists from the island, while transporting first responders, volunteers, and tons of emergency relief supplies to help with relief and rebuilding efforts. But more can and must be done to aid those still suffering in Puerto Rico and the USVI.

While air service is slowly returning to the islands, in many cases it is still difficult and extremely costly for residents to utilize airline travel to relocate to the mainland United States. Capping air fares for direct flights off the islands was a good first step, but with direct flights providing service to only a limited amount of mainland American cities, reaching most cities from Puerto Rico and the USVI is still cost prohibitive for many residents. To make access to the mainland easier, I urge the passenger carriers to consider additional changes to ticketing policies that will provide greater flexibility and added discounts for those in need.

Access to medicine, food, and the necessities of everyday life is still limited for many of those living on Puerto Rico and the USVI. Relatives in the continental U.S. are facing difficulties and high costs in sending supplies to help their families there. Providing discounted shipping rates for individuals is an effective and appreciated move to speed the flow of goods to the islands. To ensure sustained access to supplies though, I urge the cargo carriers to make additional changes to shipping policies that will make shipping easier and more affordable and ensure discounted rates remain in place for the length of the recovery effort in Puerto Rico and the USVI.

I understand the logistical difficulties that passenger and cargo air carriers are facing and the costs involved as they continue to provide humanitarian aid to Puerto Rico and the USVI, but I also know the incredible capabilities and employees of our American air carrier industry. That's why I urge you to work together as an industry to identify and implement additional and sustained practices that will help our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico and the USVI as they recover over the months ahead.

Sincerely,

RICHARD J. DURBIN

United States Senator

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