NEW: Reed Hails New Rules to Protect Airline Passengers
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
As if traveling is not frustrating enough, passengers are also often forced to deal with overpriced flights, lost luggage, and hidden fees that can make hopping on a plane a nightmare.
That is why, this week, Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed has called for stricter regulations that will require airlines to disclose all hidden fees and taxes in the advertised price of a plane ticket regardless of the ticket is promoted on Facebook or through an email offer.
“These new rules will help protect consumers from hidden costs and provide passengers with some relief,” said Reed, who voted for similar reforms in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill that was passed in the Senate nearly a year ago, but stalled by House Republicans. “It will cut down on hidden fees and require airlines to simply charge the actual price they are advertising.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe regulations will also permit passengers to hold a reservation for 24 hours without paying for the ticket. Likewise, travelers will not be hit with a cancelation fee if they choose to cancel a reservation during that period. The new rules are set to take effect January 26 will also include other provisions, such as that which will demand airlines must begin notifying passengers promptly when flights are diverted, cancelled, or delayed by more than 30 minutes.
Senator Reed has been a longtime advocate of consumer rights. He has been presented with several awards, including the 2008 Philip Hart Public Service Award, and has been honored by several groups, such as the Consumer Federation of America (CFA).