Flyers Rights Renews Call for Congressional Action on Passenger Bill of Rights in Light of DOT Delays

NAPA, Calif., Nov. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to reports that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) plans to push back the expected date for a final rule on airline passenger "protections" until February of 2010, the nation's leading flyers rights groups 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. This development would allow Congress to be the first to act on this important issue, but represents yet another delay in the fulfillment of airline passengers rights in the U.S.

"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 FAA bill, which contains a Passengers Bill of Rights that includes a 3 Hour Rule in the U.S. Senate version, has been bottled up in Congress for many months now and is overdue. As such, Congress has been forced to pass a series of short term extensions to fund the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) 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."

FlyersRights.org is the largest airline passengers rights group in the country committed to the Safety, Health, Well Being and Dignity of airline passengers. With 27,000 dedicated members and a hotline at 1-877-359-3776 or for employees of airlines 1-887-877-2678.

Kate Hanni, FlyersRights.org

(707) 337-0328