No one was surprised by this week’s report that the Transportation Security Administration glossed over the health risks of its airport X-ray scanners.
GOVERNMENT
Stung by the traveling public’s disapproval of its one-size-fits-all approach to passenger screening, the Transportation Security Administration last month announced that it would begin testing a new trusted-traveler program. But if you think that the next time you fly, you’ll speed through the security line like it’s 1999, you’re probably in for a letdown.
The problem with proposed rulemakings is that they often run on forever, and the journalists who are supposed to review them and report back gloss over the really important material.
Travelers who complain to the government — particularly the federal government — get such empty promises as “look into the problem,” form letters, or no response at all.
When it comes to fines, the Transportation Department is on a roll. Last month saw an unprecedented number of actions against airlines for deceptive fare advertisements. And now, the government has put a cruise line in its crosshairs.
The European Union is aggressively pursuing online travel agencies that sell airline tickets under false pretenses. A new report by EU authorities reveals that 1 in 3 Web sites have been written up for “misleading advertising and unfair practices” since last fall. You don’t need me to tell you we have the same problem over here. But where’s our government?
Elliott is consumer advocate 
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