Highlights of 'Passengers Bill of Rights' bill

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A section of Senate Bill 1451, the FAA Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act, would establish a so-called passenger bill of rights. Here are its main planks:

• Airlines would provide adequate food, water, restrooms, cabin ventilation and necessary medical treatment during on-board ground delays.

• Passengers would have to be offered the option of deplaning if the delay lasts more than three hours. Exceptions would be allowed if the captain "reasonably determines" the delay will end within 30 minutes, or if deplaning would jeopardize safety.

• Airports would have to submit plans to assure deplanement is possible in such situations.

• An Air Passenger Complaints Hotline phone line would be established.

• Airlines would have to publish on their Web sites lists of chronically delayed flights they operate. On-time data and cancellation rates for each flight would be available to customers booking reservations.

• U.S. DOT would create an advisory committee on aviation consumer protection.

• Airlines would be required to make public a list of all fees for such services as checked or heavy baggage, meals and beverages, seats in exit rows or other amenities.