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5 Air Passenger Rights Congress Might Introduce
Jennifer Billock August 21, 2017
Legislation might be on the way to help protect air passengers from the disturbing incidents happening recently.
Flyers take note: We may soon have more protections as passengers on airplanes. Members of Congress have apparently been swayed by incidents gone viral at the hands of airlines – like the man dragged off that United Airlines flight. As lawmakers work toward a long-term reauthorization of the FAA, legislation could be tacked onto the extension that would benefit all of us.
There are currently five that may make their way into law with the FAA extension, according to The Hill:
- No more passengers can be removed from planes. This was specifically in response to the United video and the outrage it caused. Legislation here would no longer allow passengers to be removed from planes once they’ve boarded, and it would require a review of overselling practices.
- Seats will stop shrinking. In the 70s, the distance between seats was 35 inches and the width of an airline seat was 18 inches. Now, it’s 31 and 16.5 respectively. This legislation would put an end to the constantly shrinking seat with regulations on size.
- No more excessive fees. Lawmakers have raised frustrations multiple times about passengers being charged for everything from checked bags to seat assignments and they want the nickel-and-diming to stop. This one may not get very far, though, as Airlines for America, the main airline trade group, vehemently opposes it.
- Voice phone calls on flights would be banned. Airplanes are small and cramped enough – do passengers really want to be forced to endure someone’s conversation in addition to already being uncomfortable? Legislators think not. Voice calls made over wifi or other internet technology may be banned in the future.
- Nursing mothers will have their own space at airports. This legislation would require all large- and medium-sized airports to provide lactation facilities so babies no longer have to eat their meals in airport bathrooms.
[Photo: Shutterstock]
I think it is highly unlikely that any of this becomes law under the current administration/Congress. I haven't seen anything that makes me think the current administration or Congress cares about consumer protection or rights.
"No more passengers can be removed from planes", what if a passenger is being unruly. What if the flight is cancelled, is that what will now have to happen to IDB someone? "review of overselling practices" This just means higher fares. This is what the world has become, one idiot who think's he's more important than everyone on the plane and hundreds of others on later flights is more important that the rest of us who will now have to suffer with more delays/cancellations and higher fares because that something that affects everyone doesnt go viral or make the news.
Airlines Against Americans better get their lobbyists to spread more cash on the hill to make sure that Congress continues to side with them; passenger rights negatively affect shareholder value.