The federal government could take action against U.S. airlines on behalf of customers, Transport Secretary Pete Boutingig said on Saturday. Many Americans have suffered delays, cancellations and other travel complications during the coronavirus pandemic and in recent months, following the removal of many pandemic-related travel restrictions. After the cancellation of Buttigieg’s own flight, forcing him to fly from Washington to New York, he said his department has the power to crack down on airlines that do not meet adequate consumer protection standards, possibly demanding more staff. FILE – Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, center, speaks during a briefing at the White House in Washington, May 16, 2022, as Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, left, and Environmental Protection Director Michael Regan, right, listen. . (AP Photo / Susan Walsh, Archive) “This is happening to a lot of people and that is why we are paying close attention to what can be done and how to make sure airlines deliver,” Buttigieg told the Associated Press on Saturday. CNN EDITOR SAYS BIDEN CANNOT DO A LOT OF GAS PRICES: “OPTIONS LOOK ENOUGH LIVES” The comment came days after Buttigieg actually met with airline executives on Thursday. Buttigieg, a former Democratic presidential candidate, said his office would wait to see how airlines handle the influx of summer-related vacations and the July 4 vacation. MEET AIRCRAFT MANAGERS, BUTTIGIEG AS FOOT DISCONTINUATIONS INSIST ARCHIVE – Travelers line up at North Security Checkpoint at Denver International Airport Central Terminal on Thursday, May 26, 2022 in Denver. (AP Photo / David Zalubowski, Archive) (AP Photo / David Zalubowski, Archive) He also encouraged executives to test their travel skills to avoid another recurrence of Memorial Day, which was fraught with interruptions. The executives agreed and said they would take steps to increase their services. “Now we will see how these steps will be reached,” Batizig said on Saturday. TACKER CARLSON: PET BUTIEGEG IS DISGUSTING AND MUST RESIGN American Airlines planes are seen in the background behind travelers passing Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia on April 11, 2022. (Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images) The Buttigieg department also oversees the Federal Aviation Administration, which also has staff shortages. The FAA said it would hire additional staff to increase its customer service. CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION The Transportation Safety Administration, which reports to the Ministry of Homeland Security, has said it will increase the number of security checkpoints at selected airports so that checkpoints are less intimidating.