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.

FMI: www.flyersrights.org, www.uspirg.org, www.commerce.senate.gov/public