Thu, Jul 16, 2009
Flyers Rights Organization Praises FAA Reauthorization
Bill
Even though most of us would always
REALLY rather ride in one of the front seats of an airplane,
occasionally we all have to sit in the back. So, this might be of
interest. The Senate Commerce Committee version of the FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2009 unveil on Tuesday includes provisions
for an "Airline Passengers' Bill of Rights". Among those
provisions:
- Passengers will have the right to return to the terminal after
three-hours on the tarmac if the pilot determines this can be done
safely.
- While on the tarmac, airlines will be required to provide food,
potable water, working restrooms, and reasonable cabin temperature
and ventilation.
"This is a major victory for airline passengers," said Kate
Hanni, whose organization has been working for over two years for
airline passengers' bill of rights with a three hour minimum.
There are differences in the two versions that would have to be
worked out in conference. In its version of the bill, the
House chose to leave the tiime limit option to the
airlines. "This would have led to mass consumer confusion - one
airline could have a limit of 5 hours, and another airline could
have set a limit of 10 hours," says Ms. Hanni.
"Our coalition and airline passengers everywhere wish to thank
the members and leadership of the Senate Commerce Committee for
this important legislation," said Ms. Hanni. Chief proponents of
the three-hour limit were Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Senator
Olympia Snowe (R-ME). Chairman Rockefeller (D-WV) introduced the
bill on behalf of Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), and
the leadership of the Aviation Operations, Safety and Security
Subcommittee, Chairman Byron L. Dorgan (D-ND) and Ranking Member
Jim DeMint (R-SC).
Other airline consumer-friendly provisions were offered by
Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Senator John Thune (R-SD). "It
looks to our coalition as though this was a bipartisan, group
effort. We're so pleased that this committee is able to work
together and focus on the interests of the flying public," said Ms.
Hanni.
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