Two Wheel Fix - DOT does something useful for a change

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DOT does something useful for a change

Washington (CNN) -- Call it the Airline Passenger Bill of Rights, Version 2.0.

The Department of Transportation issued a second set of rules Wednesday to address a litany of passenger gripes, including the bane of modern air travelers' existence: hidden fees for bags, meals, pillows and reservation changes.

The new rules, which will take effect in 120 days, require airlines to prominently disclose all fees and taxes on their websites. It also increases compensation for passengers who are involuntary bumped, limits "tarmac delays" for international flights to four hours and makes other pro-consumer changes.

"We're trying to look out after passengers who, in some instances, have been treated pretty shabbily," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said.

Passenger rights advocates, who lauded the proposed rule, are likely to be happy with the final rule.

"We are ecstatic about the job that the Department of Transportation is doing," said Kate Hanni of FlyersRights.org. "They have taken on airline passenger rights in a way that no other administration has. And this is really ground-breaking for airline passengers. The fact that they're passing meaningful regulations... is just a miracle."

Hanni said the changes exceed those made in the 2009 airline passenger rights rule, which was prompted by a flurry of lengthy tarmac delays that put a national spotlight on passenger discontent.

In a nutshell, the new rules:

-- Require full disclosure of additional fees. Airlines must prominently disclose all potential fees on their websites, including fees for baggage, meals, canceling or changing reservations, or advanced or upgraded seating. Airlines and ticket agents must refer passengers to baggage-fee information, and must include all government taxes and fees in every advertised price. Previously, taxes and fees were not required in the up-front fare quotes.

"We recognized that passengers are sick and tired of paying for fees that they didn't know they were going to be paying," Secretary LaHood said. "Now all fees will be disclosed on the airline websites. So if you have to pay for a bag, it will be disclosed. If you need a pillow, it will be disclosed if you have to pay for it, (same with) a blanket, food. All of these things and the taxes will all be disclosed," he said.

And soon to come: the DOT says it will propose that all fees be displayed at ticket counters and other points of sale.

-- Limit tarmac delays. Foreign airlines at U.S. airports, or U.S. airlines on international flights, must limit tarmac delays to four hours. The rule makes exceptions for safety, security or air traffic control-related reasons. But carriers must ensure that stuck passengers are provided adequate food and water after two hours, as well as working lavatories and any necessary medical treatment. An existing rule limits tarmac delays for domestic flights to three hours.

-- Require compensation for bag fees. Airlines must refund baggage fees if the bag is lost. Airlines already must compensate passengers for lost, damaged or delayed bags. But the new rule requires them to refund the bag fees, typically $25 a bag, if the bag is lost. Airlines will also must apply the same baggage allowances and fees for all segments of a trip.

"So if you check a bag, they charge you $25, they lose your bag, you get reimbursed," LaHood said.

Some 2 million bags were lost, damaged or delayed in 2010, a rate of 3.57 per 1,000 passengers, the Department of Transportation said.

-- Increase compensation for bumping. The rule doubles the possible compensation for passengers involuntarily bumped from an oversold flight. Currently, bumped passengers are entitled to compensation equal to the value of their tickets, up to $400, if the airline is able to get them to their destination within a short period of time, or up to $800 for lengthier delays.

Under the new rule, bumped passengers subject to short delays will receive up to $650, while those subject to longer delays would receive payments up to $1,300. Inflation adjustments will be every two years.

Some 65,000 passengers were involuntarily bumped in 2010, a rate of 1.09 per 10,000 passengers, the Department of Transportation said.

The final rule announced Wednesday is available at the regulations.gov website, docket DOT-OST-2010-0140.

Rock the fuck on. Now if they could just do something about the rent-a-cops doing security...

I like it, but expect the airlines to increase prices as a result.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneSickPsycho (Post 464976)

I like it, but expect the airlines to increase prices as a result.

Oh they will. And there will be less flights because they'll cut regional service to compensate.

Oh well.

and I fully expect the 'full disclosure statement' to look something like this

Quote:

This product is meant for educational purposes only. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. Void where prohibited. Some assembly required. List each check separately by bank number. Batteries not included. Contents may settle during shipment. Use only as directed. No other warranty expressed or implied. Do not use while operating a motor vehicle or heavy equipment. Postage will be paid by addressee. Subject to CAB approval. This is not an offer to sell securities. Apply only to affected area. May be too intense for some viewers. Do not stamp. Use other side for additional listings. For recreational use only. Do not disturb. All models over 18 years of age. If condition persists, consult your physician. No user-serviceable parts inside. Freshest if eaten before date on carton. Subject to change without notice. Times approximate. Simulated picture. No postage necessary if mailed in the United States. Breaking seal constitutes acceptance of agreement. 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Be sure each item is properly endorsed. Sign here without admitting guilt. Slightly higher west of the Mississippi. Employees and their families are not eligible. Beware of dog. Contestants have been briefed on some questions before the show. Limited time offer, call now to ensure prompt delivery. You must be present to win. No passes accepted for this engagement. No purchase necessary. Processed at location stamped in code at top of carton. Shading within a garment may occur. Use only in a well-ventilated are. Keep away from fire or flames. Replace with same type. Approved for veterans. Booths for two or more. Check here if tax deductible. Some equipment shown is optional. Price does not include taxes. No Canadian coins. Not recommended for children. Prerecorded for this time zone. Reproduction strictly prohibited. No solicitors. No alcohol, dogs or horses. No anchovies unless otherwise specified. Restaurant package, not for resale. List at least two alternate dates. 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This supersedes all previous notices.

2 million bags lost? Gawd, and I thought only my dryer ate clothes. Dayum!!

See, they lose your bags, and they don't care. Never have. By making them refund your bag fee after losing your bag (as well as cash claims made for the loss), they will now lose the FEE which, believe it or not, will actually cost them the MOST (I'm sure most people don't even file loss claims). They MIGHT at least try now to get your bag to you. This will NO DOUBT cost more.

:skep:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fleck750 (Post 465253)

2 million bags lost? Gawd, and I thought only my dryer ate clothes. Dayum!!

3 bags are mine. Checked 'em and haven't seen 'em since.

This is why I try to avoid checking a bag at all costs.

Of all the things that could ever incentivize them not losing your bags...and ironically, the ability for the DOT to do this was actually something they brought upon themselves by installing such fees to begin with.

I'd watch for these fees to now vanish, and the costs will be silently rolled back into the airfares, so that they can return to profitability without actually having to give a fuck about your luggage, which they simply won't ever fucking do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Particle Man (Post 465384)

3 bags are mine. Checked 'em and haven't seen 'em since.

This is why I try to avoid checking a bag at all costs.

Yup I've lost a few too, I've also had stuff missing from my bags when they came off the conveyor belt, usually a very full duffel bag is left with the top wide open because the TSA douche wants to take a look and cant get it to close right. Been reimbursed every time I filed a complaint though, no questions asked, all they want to know is what I had and its value and a few days later I get a check in the mail. But now I am that guy with a big book bag and a small roll on suitcase.