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House approves air passenger aid

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published September 21, 2007

WASHINGTON - Airlines and airports would have to come up with plans to provide passengers stranded by long delays with food, water and other basic amenities under an aviation bill approved Thursday by the House.

The legislation also demands that plans be drawn up to allow passengers to deplane after excessive delays and makes clear that the Transportation Department can levy civil penalties against a carrier or airport that doesn't adhere to contingency arrangements.

"These provisions are going to set a standard that will ensure that the flying public will be treated appropriately when they experience delays," said Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., who promoted the passenger bill of rights.

The $68-billion bill to finance Federal Aviation Administration operations and invest in airport improvements over the next four years passed 267-151. The Senate is working on similar legislation as the current FAA act heads for expiration at the end of this month.

The White House issued a veto threat for the House bill, saying it "falls far short" of administration proposals put forth early this year to reduce delays by modernizing the air traffic control system. The White House also objected to the bill's intent to raise aviation fuel taxes as a means to pay for new investment.

But lawmakers, among the nation's legions of frequent fliers, were particularly interested in aspects of the bill dealing with airport congestion and delays. The amendment including passenger protections passed unanimously.

The bill specifies that carriers and large and medium hub airports must file emergency contingency plans detailing food, water, restroom facilities, cabin ventilation and medical treatment for passengers aboard aircraft. The water must meet standards of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Another provision would require a carrier to disclose to passengers if an insecticide has been applied to the cabin interior within the past 60 days.

An amendment by Rep. Ron Klein, D-Fla., orders the secretary of Transportation to investigate consumer complaints in such areas as flight cancellations, overbooking, lost baggage or incorrect fare information.

Republicans, including Transportation Committee ranking member John Mica, R-Fla., voted against the bill to show opposition to a provision that reopens a disputed contract with air traffic controllers imposed by the FAA last year, returns to the terms of the previous 1998 contract and provides back pay to controllers. Mica said this would add $1.9-billion to the cost of the bill.

[Last modified September 21, 2007, 00:05:51]