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| Fliers to benefit from new U.S. rules #1 https://forum.costaricaticas.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=38572 |
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| Author: | Xman00 [ Tue Aug 23, 2011 12:48 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Fliers to benefit from new U.S. rules #1 |
By Christopher Hinton, MarketWatch WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — Fliers, the U.S. has your back with new rules starting Tuesday that require baggage fee refunds for lost luggage and higher compensation if you get bumped from an oversold flight. Meant to shore up consumer protections among air travelers, the new regulation were also expanded to include more carriers, including foreign airlines that operate in the U.S. “The Obama administration believes consumers have the right to be treated fairly when they fly,†U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said. “New passenger protections will help ensure that air travelers receive the respect they deserve before, during and after their flight.†The biggest difference fliers will experience is in compensation from airlines that over book, a common occurrence these days as carriers operate at near-full capacity. Passengers are now entitled to between $650 to $1,300 from the carrier if they get bumped from their flight because there aren’t enough seats, up from a range of $400 to $800. Airlines are also required to offer cash if the flier is bumped involuntarily. On the luggage front, airlines, including foreign carriers, now have to reimburse any related fees if they lose a customer’s bag. Any changes in baggage fees must be posted on the airline’s web site for three months. If a flier is so dissatisfied with an airline to the point of hiring a lawyer, the new DOT rules also makes it easier for an individual to sue. Litigation against the airline would now occur where the flier lives, rather than in a location chosen by the airline and typically inconvenient to the disgruntled customer. Additionally, foreign carriers are now subject to fines of up to $27,000 per passenger if their aircraft experience lengthy delays on the tarmac. It also requires operators to have contingency plans in place for when there is a delay. “Airline passengers have a right to be treated fairly,†said DOT Secretary Ray LaHood, in an earlier statement. The Air Transport Association, which represents the industry, said airlines were already doing many of the tasks the U.S. is now requiring. Airlines often complain they are over regulated by the government. The DOT wants to adopt more rules, but airlines want more time to adapt them. On January 24, the U.S. plans to require more baggage fee disclosures when a customer books a flight, and notifications for passengers when their flights are delayed or canceled within 30 minutes after the airlines are aware of them. Customers will also be allowed to hold a flight reservation with out payment for 24 hours. Additionally, the U.S. wants airlines to publish all taxes and fees in advertised fares rather than just the base fares. The government also wants airlines and ticket agents to fully disclose all potential fees, including fees for baggage, meals, canceling or changing reservations, or advance or upgraded seating. Read more about the proposed rules . Christopher Hinton is a reporter for MarketWatch based in New York. |
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| Author: | K-Paxian [ Wed Aug 24, 2011 8:02 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Fliers to benefit from new U.S. rules #1 |
Good, it's nice to see when our government actually helps protect consumers against mega-corporations instead of enable them. Where else in the world can I buy something, pay for it months in advance, and then due to the business overselling their product, they don't have to deliver on what I paid for? That's exactly what happens when the overbook and have to bump people. And god forbid you get bumped, because most of the other flights they're going to "try to put you on" are overbooked as well. Man, I wish I could start a business where I could sell things I don't have in the hopes that 40% of the people who bought it will never show up to pick it up. |
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