Proposed Legislation Doesn't Help Those Stranded On
Runways
Consumer groups remain skeptical of the current language in the
airline passenger's bill of rights that is making its way through
the Senate. They fear it may not be tough enough to help passengers
stranded on the runways.
The passenger bill of rights was approved last week by the
Senate Commerce Committee, included as part of the FAA
reauthorization bill. It stipulates that airlines must supply basic
services to passengers during delays. Services like food, water and
adequate restroom facilities while aircraft are temporarily
grounded.
But it left out one thing: a provision for passengers to get off
planes that are delayed more than three hours for takeoff. The bill
allows airlines to devise their own timetables, according to CNN
Money.
The Coalition for an Airline Passengers' Bill of Rights said
Monday it will continue its efforts to have the three-hour
requirement put back in the legislation.
"If this were the final version it would be very disappointing
from a minimum standards standpoint," said Kate Hanni, Coalition
spokeswoman. "We have to fight for stronger language."
As ANN reported, The
Senate last week included some good news for the
Coalition and US Public Interest Research Groups (US PIRG). Both
groups commended the US Senate Commerce Committee for including a
bi-partisan airline passengers' bill of rights in the bill approved
Wednesday.
The groups also pledged to work with the bill's sponsors,
Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME), to expand
and improve the basic provision as the bill moves forward.
"Along with thousands of other passengers left stranded for 8-10
hours or more in non-hygienic planes, I am very pleased that the
committee has moved an airline passengers' bill of rights closer to
takeoff," said Hanni. "Now we need to help our champions Senators
Boxer and Snowe to make sure Congress finishes the job in a way
that will guarantee those rights."
Hanni said her group is willing to compromise and take into
account times when the three-hour requirement isn't feasible. She
said the original minimum standard included two 30-minute
extensions allowable at the pilots' discretion such as when they
believe allowing passengers off the plane would be unsafe or if the
pilot has reason to believe departure is imminent.
Except for that particular issue, Hanni and other advocates said
they were "generally pleased" the bill of rights was
progressing.
Boxer said she has sent letters to airline carriers requesting
they submit proposals to address the tarmac delays within 30
days.
"Although we have serious concerns about the potential
consequences of the current language of the bill's alternate plan
provision, we have been assured by Senator Boxer that she and
Senator Snowe will continue to work to ensure that the final bill
protects the current common law rights of the flying public and
sets meaningful minimum standards for these airline plans that will
protect the flying public," said Hanni.