FAA Reauthorization Bill finally passed! So here is how it improves your rights as a passenger…
(Source: Flyersrights.org)
After what seemed like an eternity – roughly five years and 23 extensions later – the 112th United States Congress finally got through with the FAA Modernization and Safety Improvement Act of 2012, aka the FAA Re-authorization Bill. Apart from the usual aspects of the $63Billion four-year re-authorization bill, there are a lot of significant inclusions that will affect your travel in the days ahead… in a good way! Thanks to the tireless advocacy by FlyersRights.org, a non-profit that advocates for passenger rights, many of these demands from the passenger community has now found their way into books of law. The table below shows what the organization was fighting to achieve and what they managed to get. Seriously, if you are an airline passenger this law makes sure you have to be treated like a human being who deserves dignity and respect.
|
FlyersRights Goal |
Bill Provision |
| Three-Hour Tarmac Rule | “Excessive delay” tarmac rule. DOT Secretary to determine definition of “excessive” |
| Food and Water Available | Food and water ALWAYS available (deletes DOT “after 2 hours” provision) |
| Medical Treatment Available | Medical treatment ALWAYS available (deletes DOT “after 2 hours” provision) |
| Airline Contingency Plans | Airline contingency plans for eachairport where carrier has flights (removes DOT’s minimum annual enplanement restriction) |
| Airport Contingency Plans | For the first time, airport contingency plans required (no such provision in DOT rules) |
| DOT Consumer Hotline | Implementation of a DOT consumer hotline, number published on internet, prominently displayed by carriers on ticket counter signs and ticket e-confirmations |
| Smoke-Free Environment | Smoke-free rules consistently enforced on scheduled and now unscheduled flights, domestic and international |
| No Child Left Unbuckled | Carriers must post on their web sites the maximum child safety seat size for each type aircraft they operate so passengers can determine which seats will work with which aircraft |
| Carry Musical Instruments On-board Without Additional Charge | Instruments that can be safely stowed will now be treated like any other carry-on item |
| Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protection | Creation of a DOT advisory committee, comprised of members from air carriers, airport operators, state, local governments, and non-profit public interest groups with consumer protection experience |
| Realistic Scheduling to Minimize Delays | If aircraft operations exceed an airport’s capability, the FAA and airlines will meet to develop an appropriate schedule reduction. If no voluntary agreement is reached, the FAA will take unilateral reduction action |
| Passenger Awareness of Insecticide Use | Air carriers will now refer passengers to the DOT web page with a list of countries that may require in-cabin spraying for flights to those countries |
| Good Information on Delays | Added reporting requirement for diversions and cancellations |
| Consideration for Military Members | “Sense of Congress*” that carriers should be flexible and generous with active duty military members. They seek reduced airfares, elimination of change fees/penalties, ability to purchase, modify or cancel without time restrictions, and the elimination of fees (including baggage fees), ancillary costs, and penalties |
| Defined Compensation for Lost Luggage | Comptroller General to study the issue, including how added baggage fees should improve service |
Click here to read more. Thank you USDOT and Flyersrights.org for all your hard work to get this done.
