New, Democrat-driven legislation, the Airline Passengers’ Bill of Rights, was introduced last week in the Senate, proposing expanded protections for air travelers in the United States and penalties for airlines failing to meet specific standards.
“Whether it’s growing fees or shrinking seats, the rights and needs of air travelers are frequently and flagrantly ignored by airlines,” U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), one of the bill’s sponsors, said. “This significant legislation would bolster the rights of air passengers and ensure tougher, much-needed oversight of the airline industry. For far too long, airlines have raked in billions by squeezing every possible cent from their customers. Everyone – regardless of age, ability, or income – deserves the right to comfortable air travel. It’s time to pass an air passengers’ bill of rights to protect consumers and restore sanity to the skies.”
Blumenthal is joined in the effort by U.S. Sens. Edward Markey (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).
The legislation addresses numerous areas of concern within the airline industry. For one thing, it would slap a minimum $1,350 repayment charge on airlines that deny passengers boarding due to overselling their flights and encourages the establishment of compensation for those passengers that willingly relinquish their seats. Delays or cancellations would demand compensation to passengers, with the longer the delay, the higher the repayment, and lost or damaged bags would have to be refunded immediately. Failing all this, of course, passengers would also regain the right to sue airlines for unfair and deceptive practices, as well as denials of basic access.
“Exorbitant checked bag and change fees, frequent IT meltdowns, airline consolidation, and growing dissatisfaction with the flying experience make a passengers’ bill of rights as important as a boarding pass,” Markey said. “Ensuring that airline customers have basic consumer rights every time they fly is a requirement in the 21st century. The Airline Passengers’ Bill of Rights gives passengers control over their flying experience, returning fairness to the friendly skies.”
To emphasize passenger rights, the bill would require airline employees to undergo biannual training on the matter and ensure passengers are given clear ideas on the subject as well. Drinking water and restrooms would have to be offered free of charge and passengers with disabilities accommodated. It also prevents airlines from further shrinking seat sizes without a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) determination of minimum seating size standards. Further, airlines would be prohibited from charging unnecessary fees unlinked to services provided and demand transparency on the true costs of flights.
The legislation also provides measures concerning the industry as a whole. The DOT would have to explain itself any time it failed to impose penalties on airlines found to have violated passengers rights, demand new studies from the agency, and eliminate fine caps on consumer protection. Finally, the legislation would also require the Government Accountability Office to investigate the fairness of airfares and fees when compared to the actual costs of services these flights provide.