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Eureka Times-Standard - Thompson announces air passenger rights bill

February 2, 2012
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Congressman Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, announced Wednesday that an agreement has been reached between House and Senate leaders to pass the Air Passenger Bill of Rights -- legislation he has pioneered.

According to a press release, The Air Passenger Bill of Rights will make sure airlines meet their responsibility to passengers by ensuring they are given the option to deplane after excessive delays and requiring that fliers are provided with basic necessities, including access to food and water, comfortable cabin temperatures and adequate restroom facilities.

”Passengers have rights -- and because of this legislation, those rights are now protected by law,” Thompson said in a press release.
The Passenger Bill of Rights is included in long-term Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) legislation to improve the nation's aviation infrastructure, mo. It will become law when it is voted on by Congress and then signed by the President.

The Department of Transportation currently has similar rules in place, but they can be rescinded by an administration at any time. The rules also do not require airports to have emergency contingency plans for meeting these rules, according to the release.