Arlington woman launches new air travel consumer advocacy group

An Arlington woman has founded a new consumer advocacy group seeking to improve affordability and transparency in the airline industry.

Jennifer Rykaczewski, a Madison Manor resident, founded Affordable Skies in December following five years in the airline industry. The new nonprofit lobbies for policies related to cost and safety, provides educational materials to consumers and collects data on air travel pricing and consumer preferences.

The nonpartisan group has already amassed over 1,000 free and paying members who receive its newsletter and informational updates, among other perks.

“Travelers are blindsided by what goes on in the aviation space,” Rykaczewski told ARLnow. “There’s a lot of frustration, often about air fares and pricing … There could be better representation and education to consumers about the industry than there is now.”

Rykaczewski felt inspired to start the Affordable Skies while working alongside Allegiant Airlines CEO Maury Gallagher. Noticing a gap in consumer advocacy groups related to affordable air travel, he encouraged her to start the group.

As a businesswoman, Air Force spouse and former campaign manager, the concept suited both Rykaczewski’s personal and professional experiences.

“We’re like a watchdog sort of organization that’s paying attention to legislation and any regulations that are being brought forth,” Rykaczewski said. “In turn, we want to educate the consumers about those so that they have a seat at the table.”

The coalition recently sent its members air travel-related surveys, attended a House Transportation Subcommittee on Aviation hearing and launched a Change.org petition.

The group is also advocating for two bills on Capitol Hill.

One bill, the Airport Gate Competition Act, would increase the availability of common gates in airports. The other, the Fast Lane for Youths (FLY) Act, would expedite flight access for TSA PreCheck-approved caregivers, parents and guardians accompanying their kids.

“What we’re really wanting to watch is what policymakers and regulators are doing, simply because that does affect affordability,” Rykaczewski said.

The FLY Act’s sponsor, U.S. Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.), intends to invite the organization to testify in favor of the bill, Rykaczewski said — something she sees as a “huge win” for the fledgling coalition.

“I can call consumers today and say, ‘What do you know, would you like to testify on the FLY Act?’ And I’m sure they would say yes,” she said.

In the meantime, Affordable Skies hopes to start implementing some new initiatives like industry Q&A webinars, a social media storytelling campaign and counseling events for stressed or fearful flyers.

“This first year as a nonprofit, it’s about gaining support, and that’s really what we’re doing,” Rykaczewski said. “We’re getting out there.”