Cantwell Delivers Passenger-Friendly FAA Reauthorization Bill, Secures Consumer Protections for Traveling Public -- Including Refunds for Delayed Baggage

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), the former chairman and current ranking member on the Senate Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security, secured passage of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2016. Senator Cantwell is an original co-sponsor of the bill.

After years of complaints and concerns, travelers will now have added consumer protections when flying. The pro-consumer bill, which reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration and related programs through the end of fiscal year 2017, provides numerous passenger-friendly provisions:

Disclosure of fees - Creates a standard method for airlines to disclose airlines' ancillary fees (baggage, seat selection).
Refunds for delayed baggage - Requires airlines to return baggage fees when items are lost or delayed.
Automatic refunds - Requires airlines to automatically return fees for services purchased but not received such as seat assignments, early boarding, carry-on bags.
Notice to families with children - Requires airlines to provide families with information about the availability of seats together at the time of booking.
Truth in weather delays - Directs the Department of Transportation to review how airlines provide information on decisions to delay or cancel flights that may be fully or only partially due to weather related causes.

"Travelers face longer lines, steeper fees and packed planes -- it's time we make air travel more consumer-friendly. This bill does just that," said Cantwell.

In addition to the expanded consumer protections, the legislation improves aviation safety, makes reforms to certification processes to help the aerospace industry better compete in a global economy, improves drove safety and innovation, and builds on critical airport infrastructure investments.

The bill also includes a Cantwell-backed provision that strengthens U.S. airport security, especially in non-secure "soft" target areas at airports like check-in and baggage claim areas, including updates to federal security programs to provide active shooter training for law enforcement and increases the presence of federal agents with bomb-sniffing canines.

"This bipartisan bill strikes the right balance of aircraft safety, airport security, and consumer protection," said Cantwell. "I'm glad we were able to include important provisions for Washington's aviation industry and airports which are economic drivers for local and regional economies."

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