By: John Watson

John Watson — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 01:07:18 +0000

Be very careful what you wish for. I flew for Delta Air Lines for 33 years.
Speaking from experience, it’s my opinion that the “bill of rights” will
hurt far more that it would help.
I place the blame for the horror stories of being stranded on the tarmac for hours right on the pilot and local operations.
During the 5 years I flew international out of JFK if a “bill” had been in
place it would have screwed up things far more than the normal JFK delays.
Let’s say the 2 hour, or whatever, delay time is up and the aircraft has to
return to the gate….
1. 1/2 the passengers would not want to return and the other 1/2 might.
2. It may be next to impossible to get back to the gate. They don’t keep
taxiways open or have taxiways that you can just zip back to the gate.
Literally the way to the gate may be blocked by other airplanes.
3. Airline A may not want airline B to use it’s gates.
4. When and if you return to the gate what happens to the baggage?
5. Airline staffing at the minimum level will preclude rapid rebooking, meal
vouchering, hoteling, etc. You may have 2 agents trying to rebook 300
passengers.
I could go on and on but I think you get the idea.
The bill of rights is a very bad idea.
Oh, and I have no reason to promote the airlines. Delta took over 1/2 my
pension away after their bankruptcy, no love there.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 00:33:46 +0000

I won’t be in DC, but go Kate!

By: Benjamin Strong

Benjamin Strong — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 16:44:27 +0000

We have needed a Passenger Bill of Rights for many years and our airline has steadily gone down-hill. I use Delta, normally since I have many SkyMiles because of my AMEX card and USAir when I can’t get a Delta flight. Both provide equally bad service.

Comments on: Kate needs your help

By: John Watson

By: Sarah

By: Benjamin Strong