The Air Traveler's Passenger Bill of Rights and What it Means to You

In the Spring of 2010, the United States Department of Transportation's Passenger's Bill of Rights went in to effect. One of the main catalysts for this creation of this document were the thousands of passengers every year who were subjected to long wait times on the tarmac, during which time, they were unable to use the restroom, have anything to drink, and in some cases, not even unbuckle their seatbelts. In 1999, Northwest Airlines notoriously kept passengers stranded in an aircraft on the tarmac for eight long hours. Similar incidents happened in December of 2006 with American Airlines as well as ten flights that were delayed leaving New York's JFK airport (one for 11 hours).

Therefore, one of the most important items included in the Passengers' Bill of Rights is the fine that results from passengers being prevented from getting off of an airplane after three hours on the tarmac. At $27,500 per passenger, airlines will avoid keeping passengers on active runways with seatbelts buckled for more than three hours.

When passengers are subjected to sitting on the tarmac for two hours or more, airlines are required to provide food and drinking water, as well as lavatory use. In addition, if medical assistance or treatment is required, airlines must provide it.

While most travelers are excited about the new set of rules, there have been and will be unintentional negative consequences. One of the most important to note is the occurrence, especially in the winter, of bad weather. If flights aren't able to leave in three hours or fewer, it is possible that airlines will cancel flights, stranding passengers in airports across the country. In addition, some exceptions to the Passengers' Bill of Rights are being granted to airlines. One of these is if a safety or security issue arises, causing the aircraft to need to stay where it is (possibly on an active taxiway), meaning that passengers could still be subjected to staying in their seats with seatbelts on for extended periods of time.

In addition, looking toward 2011, supply and demand may negatively impact air travelers when it comes to the Passengers' Bill of Rights. As I've written previously, supply and demand is causing airfare to skyrocket, and airlines are seeing their highest profit margins in ten years. With that in mind, flights that are canceled as a result of the Air Passengers' Bill of Rights will certainly cause demand to increase while supply decreases. Because airlines have cut back on flights offered on heavily traveled routes anyway, just one or two flight cancellations on those busy routes will cause huge headaches and massive ticket price increases.

So, what's a passenger to do? Plan accordingly. Expect the worst, and hope for the best. Pack something nutritious (and TSA-acceptable) in your carry-on bag. Use the restroom before boarding an airplane. Keep family and friends up to date on your plans so that they can advocate for you if a problem arises. Most of all, try to stay patient and understand that ultimately, the Passenger's Bill of Rights will be helpful, and not a hindrance.

Resources:

http://www.examiner.com/budget-travel-in-sacramento/airline-passengers-bill-of-rights-effect-on-april-29-2010-what-travelers-need-to-know

http://www.independenttraveler.com/resources/article.cfm?AID=724&category=13

Related Articles:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/6145440/airlines_post_highest_profits_in_10.html?cat=16