United Airlines flight UA440, a United Express service operated by regional carrier GoJet, was significantly delayed.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg served as an impromptu flight attendant on a delayed United Airlines (UA) flight from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Traverse City, Michigan.
Weeks before leaving his current position, Buttigieg delighted travelers by strolling the aisle and handing them treats from a wicker basket labeled PYOK.
United Flight Delayed
A fellow passenger shared the moment on Instagram, emphasizing Buttigieg’s down-to-earth nature and sense of humor.
Dressed casually in sneakers and a light blue sweater, the secretary appeared to relish his unexpected in-flight service duty, while some passengers were perplexed by his behavior.
United Airlines Flight UA440, a United Express service operated by regional carrier GoJet, was delayed by one hour and 24 minutes.
Despite the increased tarmac time, the CRJ-550 jet’s pilots were able to partially compensate, landing in Traverse City little over an hour after schedule.
Pete Buttigieg Advocacy for Betterment
Buttigieg has been an outspoken supporter of increasing travel rights throughout his term. He credited the Department of Transportation’s 2022 campaign with encouraging airlines to improve service quality for passengers affected by delays and cancellations.
Pete Buttigieg’s Department of Transportation (DOT) has dramatically improved passenger rights on major US airlines.
The regulatory amendments require almost every major carrier to rebook delayed passengers on their own or partner aircraft at no additional expense. Airlines such as Alaska (AS), American (AA), Delta (DL), Hawaiian (HA), JetBlue (B6), and United now provide passengers with complimentary alternate flight options.
Most major airlines, save Frontier (F9), now offer hotel accommodations for overnight delays. All carriers, including Frontier, will provide refreshments for delays exceeding three hours.
The DOT’s new policy mandates airlines to provide full cash refunds to passengers who choose not to travel after significant delays.
Junk Fees Rules Controversy
The department’s consumer-friendly efforts have faced legal challenges. A proposed legislation forcing airlines to show auxiliary service fees (Junk Fees) openly, such as checked luggage and seat expenses, is facing strong pushback from major US carriers.
United and other airlines have challenged the rule, prompting a US Appeals Court to postpone its implementation awaiting a complete case challenging the DOT’s regulatory jurisdiction.
The DOT has proposed compensation guidelines based on European standards, requiring airlines to compensate passengers for major flight delays or cancellations.
Life of Pete Buttigieg
Pete Buttigieg has emerged as a trailblazing American politician, now serving as Secretary of Transportation under President Joe Biden. Buttigieg was born on January 19, 1982, in South Bend, Indiana, and became the first out gay cabinet member in American history.
He began his academic career at Harvard University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in history and literature in 2004.
Buttigieg continued his education by attending the University of Oxford as a Rhodes scholar and earning a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, politics, and economics from Pembroke College in 2007 before returning to the United States.
Buttigieg previously served as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, from 2012 to 2020. He also sought the Democratic presidential candidacy in 2020, but was unsuccessful.
His political destiny shifted dramatically in December 2020, when President Biden nominated him to oversee the Department of Transportation.
On February 2, 2021, the Senate ratified Buttigieg’s appointment, and he was sworn in the day after. At the time of his appointment, he was not only the first out gay cabinet member, but also the youngest Secretary of Transportation.