Airline passengers who've been stuck for hours on airplanes that don't move in bad weather got a hearing today in Washington before the Senate Commerce Committee as the panel took testimony on a proposed passengers bill of rights. The legislation would allow airlines to hold passengers no more than three hours on a plane that has left the gate but not taken off, and provide adequate food, water and bathroom facilities during long delays. The effort to force carriers to provide better service grew out of the experience of customers on American Airlines flights in Texas in December, who formed the Coaltiion for an Airline Passengers' Bill of Rights and started a blog about it. The effort gained ground after the JetBlue debacle at JFK in New York on Feb. 14. And it probably gained a few adherents among US Airways passengers who were stranded close to eight hours at PHL on March 16.
This issue has great appeal to the legions of fliers who've been abused by airlines. Two national consumer groups joined the Coalition this week, agreeing that nothing short of new federal rules will make airlines behave better. The airlines have a different view, of course, as do some other groups that represent the interests of travelers. The views of one of them, the Business Travel Coalition, can be found here .
Comments (2)
It is about time airline passengers were treated with RESPECT. After the terrible blow September 11th caused the airlines, I would have thought they would be more willing to court passengers. Instead, their attitude is we're doing you a favor, nevermind the possibilty because of bad security, poor training or just plain incompetence, you might not make it to your destination. Real people need to head up these companies and make the number one priority be it's passengers. Not how big will their paycheck be this month! I am sick and tired of fat cats getting fatter while we scramble for scraps. Shame on them!
Posted by Kristen | April 12, 2007 5:20 PM
Posted on April 12, 2007 17:20
By the time the Senate Commerce Committee does anything, PHL will look like the opening scene from the Jetsons. The airline lobby and their spin-meisters will make it sound like we are getting some respect but I won't hold my breath for any concrete remedies (maybe a extra bag on mini pretzels). Hearings make for good TV and campaign notes, but we are just cattle to them.
Posted by jimmy mack | April 13, 2007 2:18 PM
Posted on April 13, 2007 14:18