Airline Passenger Bill of Rights

Imagine how it feels to be stranded on a grounded airline for eight hours – with overflowing toilets, screaming babies and little food and water.  Kate Hanni of California went through that awful experience last December. Since then she has been rounding up congressional support for an Airline Passenger Bill of Rights, which is aimed at providing relief. According to USA Today, the bill would require flights to return to the gate if they are grounded for more than three hours.

CheapTrips endorses Kate Hanni’s efforts. Three hours in a cramped, smelly cabin is enough for anyone. Eight or nine hours borders on torture – and certainly fits in the category of passenger abuse.  It’s a shame that Congress should have to pass a law that common sense should dictate. But the airlines have failed to take steps on their own to resolve this issue, such as supplying jetliners with stairs that passengers can use away from the gate. Unfortunately, congressional action appears to be the only viable option.

We understand that airlines do not operate in a perfect world. There are a variety of reasons why airlines need to be grounded for an extended period, or even hours at a time. But the airlines should keep in mind they are dealing with real people. Holding passengers hostage for eight hours does not fit the definition of good customer service.