America introduces ‘protection’

New US Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations aimed at providing "protection" for airline passengers went into effect Tuesday, boosting compensation for involuntarily bumped passengers and imposing a 4hr tarmac delay limit on international flights at US airports.  These ‘fines’ could prove very expensive for airlines (with a limit of US$1,300 per passenger) who view them as unwarranted government intervention in day-to-day business operations.  US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said the regulations were needed to "ensure that air travellers receive the respect they deserve before, during and after their flight."

US domestic flights are already governed by a 3hr limit before delayed aircraft must return to airport gates to allow passengers to deplane if they choose.

Additional requirements will take effect in January 2012.  These include mandating that all flight ticket taxes and fees be included in advertised fares, banning post-purchase price increases, allowing passengers to hold a reservation without payment (or to cancel without penalty) for 24hr after the reservation is made, and making airlines disclose baggage fees when passengers book a flight. www.dot.gov

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