Ever since the Carter administration deregulated the U.S. airline industry, there’s been a push to reregulate the nation’s carriers. All have failed — until now.
The Coalition for Airline Passenger’s Bill of Rights, a new group that is being organized by Kate Hanni, a real estate agent from Napa, Calif., has a better-than-average chance of passing legislation that would effectively regulate significant parts of the airline business.
I interviewed Hanni yesterday and here’s why I think she just might be able to pull it off:
She’s got our attention. Hanni is the right person at the right time. She’s articulate, passionate and even though she isn’t an industry insider, she’s credible. After all, she survived the flight from hell.
The political winds are blowing in her favor. The Democrats just took control of the House and Senate, and I think they’re inclined to pass these new rules. Plus, their constituents are likely to support tougher regulation after air travel has devolved to its current unacceptable state. Simply put, voters are fed up.
Her bill makes sense. I’m posting the bill in its entirety at the end of this entry. Yeah, there are things that will probably get changed, but the spirit of it is right on the mark. Unlike previous bills, which were convoluted or unrealistic, this one is just common sense.
Still, I think the obstacles to passing this bill are formidable. First, the airlines have the sharpest lobbyists in D.C. — truly gifted advocates who almost always get their way. They will do almost anything to stop these rules from passing.
Another concern: Hanni told me that she had been approached by a lot of other organizations that claim to be advocates for air travelers. Unfortunately, some of those groups have hidden agendas or are funded by the airlines, and once they join her group, would almost certainly try to subvert her efforts.
My advice to Hanni is to stay focused and do your due diligence on anyone who wants to “help.”
Proposed Bill of Rights for Airline Passengers
All American air carriers shall abide by the following standards to ensure the safety, security and comfort of their passengers:
» Establish procedures to respond to all passenger complaints within 24 hours and with appropriate resolution within 2 weeks.
» Notify passengers within ten minutes of a delay of known diversions, delays and cancellations via airport overhead announcement, on aircraft announcement, and posting on airport television monitors.
» Establish procedures for returning passengers to terminal gate when delays occur so that no plane sits on the tarmac for longer than three hours without connecting to a gate.
» Provide for the essential needs of passengers during air- or ground-based delays of longer than 2 hours, including food, water, sanitary facilities, and access to medical attention.
» Provide for the needs of disabled, elderly and special needs passengers by establishing procedures for assisting with the moving and retrieving of baggage, and the moving of passengers from one area of airport to another at all times by airline personnel.
» Publish and update monthly on the company’s public web site a list of chronically delayed flights, meaning those flight delayed thirty minutes or more, at least forty percent of the time, during a single month.
» Compensate “bumped” passengers or passengers delayed due to flight cancellations or postponements of over 12 hours by refund of 150% of ticket price.
» We also are urging the formal implementation of a Passenger Review Committee, made up of non-airline executives and employees but rather passengers and consumers – that would have the formal ability to review and investigate complaints.
» Make lowest fare information, schedules and itineraries, cancellation policies and frequent flyer program requirements available in an easily accessed location and updated in real-time.
» Ensure that baggage is handled without delay or injury; if baggage is lost or misplaced, the airline shall notify customer of baggage status within 12 hours and provide compensation equal to current market value of baggage and its contents.
» Require that these rights apply equally to all airline code-share partners including international partners
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
It is about time. Above all, honesty with the traveling public, which airlines have ignored for years.
An Ombudsman is definitely required, financed by the Airlines, with powers to implement changes and/or compensation.
Well done! Wishing you all success.
Gerry Vineberg
Any time that passengers have to stay on board the aircraft for an extended period, there should be a procedure get them off until the flight is ready to take off.
Any time that passengers have to stay on board the aircraft for an extended period, there should be a procedure get them off until the flight is ready to take off.
Any time that passengers have to stay on board the aircraft for an extended period, there should be a procedure get them off until the flight is ready to take off.
Any time that passengers have to stay on board the aircraft for an extended period, there should be a procedure get them off until the flight is ready to take off.
Any time that passengers have to stay on board the aircraft for an extended period, there should be a procedure get them off until the flight is ready to take off.
I AGREE WITH MAKING PASSENGER RIGHTS HEARD. AIRLINES NO LONGER CARE ABOUT CUSTOMERS.