New Guidelines to Protect Passengers

The government recently announced a new set of passenger protection guidelines which was aimed primarily at the peoples growing frustration over hidden airline fees. Although the guidelines do not set actual limits to how much airlines can charge for items such as ticket and seat changes, baggage charges, and meals, they do require airlines to disclose their fees in more clearly in all advertisements and websites. Although the guidelines do not specify how these fees have to be displayed and advertised, they did single out baggage fees due to the increasingly complicated process. All ads must now quote the full price, which include such items as government taxes that now are often shown in the fine print. Other guidelines are set to increase the compensation carriers must now pay to travelers who are involuntarily bumped off flights up to as much $1,500. They also require that airlines now refund baggage fees if luggage is lost, and also requires airlines to notify passengers of any delays over 25 minutes. The government proposed these guidelines to deal with a growing number of frustrated travelers, and encouraged public comment on these ideas despite all objections raised by the airline companies. They felt that all passengers should be treated fairly, and if an airline loses your luggage or bumps you from a flight that airline companies should be held accountable.rnThe new guidelines also require the airlines and ticket agents must refer passengers to current information about all baggage fees, both before and after a ticket purchase, as well as to include all government taxes and fees in every advertised price. This proposal would require all extra fees must be displayed at all points of sale. That is another hot issue, as travel agencies have been asking the government to force airlines to share fee data with databases that make it easier for customers to compare ticket prices. Reactions to the full-fare pricing requirement has stirred much debate, being called a “likely illegal”, pointing out other businesses are not forced to include taxes in their advertised price. rnReactions were also heated towards to the rule that will require airlines to hold reservations at a quoted price without payment, and offers cancellations without penalties for at least 24 hours after the reservation is made. However, due to a massive amount of objections, the government limited the 24-hour rule to reservations made one week or more prior to a flight’s departure date. The government also decided to abolish the rule which would force airline companies to incorporate their customer service plans into their contracts. This would have given passengers grounds for legal action if airlines violated their service agreements. Although the airline business is still flawed, advancements have been made to protect the passengers and their rights. Be patient with the system and educate yourself before traveling. For more information on travel and great tips to help you along your journey check out Luggage Covers.