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.

FMI: www.flyersrights.org