Wed, Nov 11, 2009
A Proposed DOT Delay Prompts Call For Action By Congress
In response to reports that the U.S. DOT plans to push back
the expected date for a final rule on airline passenger
"protections" until February of 2010, a flyers rights groups has
renewed its call for Congressional action.
DOT had planned to publish its new rule, which deals with issues
such as tarmac delays and chronically delayed flights, before the
end of this year. The agency's delay would allow Congress to act
first on this issue, but represents yet another setback for airline
passengers rights in the U.S., the organization says.
"We think allowing Congress to act first, before the
Administration does its part is appropriate," said CAPBOR Executive
Director, Kate Hanni. "Providing airline passengers with a Bill of
Rights, including a 3 Hour limit whereby airlines must return
stranded passengers to the terminal, should be established by
federal legislation, not and not simply by regulation."
The Senate version of the FAA Reauthorization bill makes
provisions for a Passengers Bill of Rights, including a 3 Hour
Rule. But the bill has been delayed for many months now, and
Congress has been forced to pass a series of short term measures to
fund the FAA's continued operations. The latest extension passed by
Congress expires on December 31, 2009.
"Given this most recent delay by DOT, which follows a series of
delays in Congress, it is essential that legislators work to pass
this legislation as soon as possible before the holiday travel
period begins," added Hanni. "Establishing basic enforceable
standards in how airlines treat passengers will be one of the most
significant consumer protections in recent history -- we need and
deserve action now."
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