In Case You Missed It: Show Me State Resident Advocates For Increased Flights At DCA To Increase Competition And Affordability

In case you missed it, Maryann Manion, of University City, Missouri, published a letter to the editor in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch calling on Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) to support increasing the number of nonstop flights to and from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) as part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2023.

Manion points out that the perimeter rule has stifled competition for far too long and that ticket prices in the Washington, D.C. region have subsequently become the highest in the nation.

Manion adds that the increased flights will provide an influx of competition and increased affordability, while simultaneously reducing travel times.

Read the entire piece HERE and below:

Fort Liberty, Fayetteville Fliers Should Get A Straight Shot To D.C. But Old Rule An Obstacle
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Maryann Manion
August 26, 2023
https://www.stltoday.com/opinion/letters/letter-change-antiquated-rule-for-competition-in-d-c-airfare-rates/article_79419e22-436f-11ee-b8bd-0fb8fd1d5304.html

The Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2023 will soon be a top congressional priority. Currently, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C., is controlled by the “perimeter rule.” This means most direct flights may only fly within a 1,250 mile radius from DCA. It limits the number of flights that can take off at and land at DCA from beyond this perimeter. Missouri needs direct flights to DCA from outside this perimeter that are cost effective.

This “perimeter rule” is a 1966 federally imposed Congressional regulation that must be changed. By limiting competition and flight choices Missourians have fewer options and more expenses when flying to our nation’s capital. Reagan National is the only airport in the country restrained by this regulation. Congress enacted these restrictions, and it will take an act of Congress to remove them.

D.C. currently has the highest domestic ticket prices of all airports in metropolitan hubs.

Let’s increase affordability and reduce our travel time for all who wish to reach Washington from the Show-Me State. This influx of competition will let the market decide on a fair price for air travel to and from our nation’s capital.

I urge Missouri Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt to support changing this antiquated congressional rule. Let’s modernize and allow airlines to have more slots, more nonstop flights and better pricing.

Maryann Manion • University City

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