In the second attempt, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts have returned with a comprehensive package of bills aimed at providing an air traveler’s rights bill and addressing airline fees.
This year’s iteration, Air Passenger Rights Statement, similar to the previous law, according to a Blumenthal spokesperson. It also includes the Bans airlines from imposing the Ridiculous Fees Actthis will prevent airlines from charging exorbitant fees for services such as checked baggage, seat selection and ticket changes.
The senior senator from Connecticut introduced his original bill for the first time, S.3222, the Air Passenger Rights Statementduring the 117th Congress before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, failed to pass the bill in the 2021-2022 legislative session.
The Air Passenger Rights Bill attempts to expand protections for U.S. air travelers, stemming from Southwest’s Activity Holiday Crisiswhen the airline — known for its friendly customer service, unique boarding, and low prices — was cancelled nearly 3,000 flights per day closed in 2022.
Blumenthal said Southwest’s holiday woes are “just one example of what happens every day to many consumers across the country because they don’t have their rights right now.”
When asked why the two senators chose to reintroduce the expansion law during the 118th Congress, Blumenthal again pointed to Southwest’s problems.
He continued: “The Southwest Crisis provides a clear impetus to it, and the wounds are still really palpable. “The Southwest Crisis remains a consequence for what has to be done.”
Southwest attributed this operational failure to an outdated crew planning system and its unique network strategy of sending planes and crews across the country without necessarily returning to the base. keep operating.
However, staffing problems caused by the pandemic continue to contribute to flight delay, cancellation and lost luggage across all airlines by 2022, further spurring Congress to act.
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“Honestly, air travel in 2022 is a total disaster,” said Markey.
Together, the two senators hope to hold airlines accountable by asking them to compensate passengers affected by delayed and/or canceled flights.
Specifically, the Air Passenger Rights Act and the Fair Fees Act would require airlines to:
- Refunds and alternative transportation for flights delayed from one to four hours.
- Refunds, alternative transportation and compensation for additional costs incurred, including meals and accommodation, for delays of more than four hours.
- Minimum grant of $1,350 to passengers denied boarding due to oversold flight (domestic and international airlines).
- Refund of an unspecified amount for canceled flights.
- Immediate refund of baggage fees for damaged or lost baggage.
A Blumenthal spokesperson declined to comment on how much passengers could receive for flights canceled through the legislation.
Among other provisions, the bill would also remove the current limit of compensation that airlines can offer to passengers who give way, as well as remove the Department of Transportation’s current limit on with fines that airlines violate consumer protection laws.
Southwest’s stand-alone operating model, which does not include membership in an airline alliance, does not allow it to rebook affected passengers on other airlines.
Blumenthal also mentioned that the law would allow customers to take individual or class action lawsuits against airlines in the event of any incident or negligence while prohibiting the use of arbitration for such cases. . arbitration came under surveillance is the preferred legal route for many corporations in part because it takes disputes out of court and usually only allows consumers to bring individual claims against a company, making it difficult for consumers to find seek appropriate recourse.
According to Blumenthal, the law would require “a relationship between Southwest and other airlines to get you on alternative flights without paying cut-price fees.”
In addition to addressing the issue of monetary compensation, it would also prohibit airlines from downsizing seats further until the DOT implements the minimum seat size requirement.
Going forward, the authors say the bills could be introduced as part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s reauthorization process — the agency’s five-year funding package is required to be enacted by March 30. September — or as standalone bills.
“My Republican colleagues may not want to lead, but I think it will be difficult to vote against,” Blumenthal said.
Additional reporting by Meghna Maharishi.
