Support the Airline Passengers' Bill of Rights

Recent reports of the treatment of airline passengers are shocking. In December, passengers had to sit on board for nearly eight hours with no food or water and overflowing toilets before the captain finally decided to taxi to the terminal, against the manager's wishes. After the fact, management justified the event because no one was hurt.

More recently, passengers on a flight that had already landed were forced to sit on the plane for nine hours before the plane pulled into the gate. Passengers aboard could literally have walked to the terminal in a few minutes.

These situations are unnecessary and irresponsible on the part of the airlines. Passengers deserve to have the basic rights of food, water and sanitary conditions in all situations. The Passengers' Bill of Rights addresses these issues and many others, including:

• Responding to passenger complaints within 24 hours
• Establishing procedures during delays so no plane sits in the tarmac for more than 3 hours
• Providing for the needs of the disabled, elderly and those with special needs
• Compensating passengers whose flights are delayed due to cancellations or postponements of more than 12 hours
• Ensuring that baggage is handled without delay or injury

These are just some of the important issues addressed by the Passengers' Bill of Rights. Tell your Congressmember to support this badly needed bill!