WHEREAS the many passengers needing to change or cancel reservations are being assessed by airlines change or cancelation fees of  $100 to $700 or more, far in excess of any  reasonable amount based on airline costs,

WHEREAS many airlines have increased change fees by as much as 15 fold since 2005 and continue to do so without limit,

WHEREAS, many airlines also refuse to allow passengers who cannot use a paid for ticket to substitute another person who can use the ticket even where there is no government regulation prohibiting such and no loss of airline revenue,

WHEREAS, such fees and airline practices often create a hardship for passengers and their traveling companions, particularly those traveling outside the US and far from home who may become stranded without other means to return home,

WHEREAS, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) has the legal authority and duty to prohibit unfair or deceptive airline practices, and to ensure that foreign air travel fees and fares are reasonable, but has not acted,

WHEREFORE, the undersigned hereby petitions the DOT to cap change fees at no more than $100 unless an airline shows a reasonable cost basis for a higher amount

AND the undersigned also specifically supports the rulemaking petition of FlyersRights.org filed with the DOT on February 11, 2015 and available at DOT-OST-2015-0031 and urges the DOT to act promptly on said petition.