U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut says there are new consumer provisions in place that will help protect holiday travelers against travel delays, lost luggage and unexpected fees. He says consumers have rights and they should know them.
“If you are bumped or delayed, an airline owes you money. If your bags are damaged, the airline must pay you. If they keep you on the tarmac for longer than three hours, then they’re breaking the law. People cannot be removed from a plane once they’re on it. And e-cigarettes are banned.”
Blumenthal says the FAA will also set a minimum seat and legroom size on commercial flights, which he says should prevent airports from charging travelers extra to sit with their children.
“Now what we need are real steps toward eliminating the nickel and diming of people with fees for services, overcrowded flights, shrinking seats. These issues are a matter of financial hardship and basic health and safety.”
Blumenthal says these protections are enforced under the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act which he helped pass in 2016.