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Passenger rights? No thanks

February 4, 2007

Although there is plenty of ongoing discussion about a passenger bill of rights, no industry association has come out against the proposed legislation. Until now.

The Business Travel Coalition, an organization that advocates for corporate travel buyers, has condemned the new rules, saying they would reduce the margin of safety, increase the number of canceled flights and lead to higher airfares.

“Congressional mandating of customer service standards in any industry represents a dangerous precedent,” the coalition said in a statement.

It would not be a constructive use of my time — or yours — to dissect each of these arguments. The BTC is certainly entitled to its opinion, even if a vast majority of air travelers probably disagree with it.

But here’s what puzzles me: If the BTC represents corporations that buy travel, and those companies at least theoretically should be concerned with their employees’ welfare, then how could BTC oppose rules that would make air travel a more customer-friendly experience?

I agree with the BTC on a lot of issues. This just isn’t one of them.

Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.

2 comments

  • Carole Lee

    What seems to be ignored is that with deregulation came the hub system= fewer direct flights.
    My personal favorite”sit & wait” was some 8 yrs ago leaving CDC. The pilot announced that there was 1 more pieces of luggage than checked in. We would have to deplane and unload and walk on the tarmac to reclaim each piece of luggage.We would be taken off by rows (do the math @10 across) and the bomb squad had been sent for! I still have the photos. And this was before 9-11. Back to the main problem we want inexpensive flights, airlines have to make money, crews, support personnel are cut.The jetway system only allows for 1 plane at 1 time(remember rolling ramp staircases?)Suggestion somewhere there must still be the old rolling ramp staircases. Have one or two @ airports uses buses and get people off planes. Better to wander the terminal then to be sitting for hours and going no wheres.

  • Carver Farrow

    While I disagree with the Business Travel Coalition, their position is not as crazy as it seems. The supposition is that congressional meddling tends to ultimately destroy what it intended to fix, creating new and bigger problems.

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