States’ measures define airline passenger rights

As airline delays worsen, travelers are frequently forced to deal with long lines at ticket counters, hours of waiting on the tarmac, canceled flights or airline bumping. Passengers are now demanding efficient and reliable service, and rightfully so.

New York passed the first-ever passenger bill of rights on Jan. 1, and legislators in Arizona and Rhode Island now plan to do the same. To act in the best interest of its residents, each state decided to make the issue of passenger rights an immediate priority and would no longer wait for Congress to intervene.

ASTA, the American Society of Travel Agents, is seeking fair treatment of all passengers, requesting that airlines be more responsible to customer complaints; be truthful in advertised prices, schedules and seating availability; offer timely and courteous assistance for disabled customers and unaccompanied children; and provide equal access to unbiased, comparative travel information on all fare and service options.

Stay tuned.