House Aviation Subcommittee Reviews Thompson's Passenger Bill of Rights

Press Release

House Aviation Subcommittee Reviews Thompson's Passenger Bill of Rights

Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) presented his Airline Passenger Bill of Rights legislation (HR 1303) to the House Aviation Subcommittee. This legislation would require all airlines to provide a minimum level of customer service, including a limited amounted of time held on delayed planes and adequate food, water and facilities during delays.

"I believe it is time that Congress does something to help provide basic protections for passengers," said Thompson.

Thompson's Passenger Bill of Rights also requires airlines and airports to communicate with customers about delays. The legislation requires airlines to frequently update passengers at the airport and aboard the aircraft on the cause and timing of delays. It also requires airlines to disclose information on chronically delayed or cancelled flights at the time of ticket purchase.

"In light of a string of recent events that left thousands of passengers stranded on the tarmac, one can safely assume that the airline industry's voluntary measures are not working," said Thompson. "While I understand the airline industry's reluctance to be further regulated, I strongly believe their working with Congress to craft a good passenger bill of rights would be in the interests of passengers and their business."

The legislation also acknowledges the government's responsibility to help airlines adhere to the Passenger Bill or Rights. It calls on the FAA to work with airlines to allow long-delayed flights to return to terminals in order to offload passengers who choose to disembark - without losing that flight's position in the departure sequence. It also has the Department of Transportation review airline and airport emergency contingency plans to make sure that the plans effectively address weather emergencies in a coordinated manner.

"I appreciate the opportunity to address passenger rights with the Aviation Subcommittee," said Thompson. "I am also thankful for my constituent Kate Hanni and her coalition's diligence in trying to improve airline customer service."

Thompson's legislation currently has 29 co-sponsors. It has also received support from numerous editorial boards, including the Washington Post, New York Times, USA Today and Boston Globe.

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