Urges DOT Requirement Regardless Of Aircraft Size

As consumer groups and travel industry organizations convene a Washington forum on air passenger rights, Greg Principato, president of Airports Council International-North America, offered the following industry perspective on passenger rights and protections on Tuesday:

"Airline passengers should have the right to deplane after an extended amount of delay on a runway, and ACI-NA supports a requirement for airlines to develop such  deadlines."

"ACI-NA supports airlines working with the U.S. Congress and the U.S. DOT to determine specific deadlines, and airport operators believe that passengers should have access to this information when making their travel plans. Airlines also should be held accountable for adhering to the pre-determined deadlines."

Principato noted that airport operators have been supporting passengers on this issue, urging DOT to require all airlines - regardless of the size of their aircraft -  to develop contingency plans which are incorporated into their contract of carriage.  Also, given the important role of airports during lengthy tarmac delays, ACI-NA strongly supports adoption of a mandate that airlines be required to coordinate their plans with all airports at which they provide scheduled or charter service.  

ACI-NA has long been active on airline passenger rights, facilities and finances. In 2008, ACI-NA participated in a DOT national task force of airlines, airports and the FAA to develop contingency plans to address delays. The Task Force successfully produced a plan that addresses several issues raised by industry and passenger advocates, Principato said. A number of airports already had implemented measures in the plan.  ACI-NA also filed comments with DOT supporting enhanced protections for passengers, such as increased compensation for delayed or cancelled flights and lost baggage.

FMI: www.aci-na.org