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Senator Proposes A Bill Of Rights For Plane Travelers

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By TED JACKOVICS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 21, 2008

TAMPA - A state senator has filed legislation outlining an airline passenger bill of rights in Florida that would require carriers to provide food and water for passengers delayed more than three hours on an aircraft awaiting takeoff.

Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, said Wednesday that he will seek public comment in support of the bill through e-mail to his Web site, bennett.mike.web@flsen.gov.

A similar bill Bennett proposed a year ago failed to gain legislative approval. But the senator said news coverage on flight delays in the past year would help the bill pass and become effective July 1.

"It is outrageous," Bennett said. "Planes are more full, and more people are angry."

The bill will include a penalty for airlines, but terms have not yet been included in the draft version, Bennett said.

The state of New York enacted a law Jan. 1 that fines airlines $1,000 per stranded passenger when carriers fail to provide basic amenities. Bennett is reviewing the New York law and similar proposals nationwide.

Bennett's bill, SB 2062, also would require airlines to provide waste removal for airliner restroom holding tanks and provide electric power for air conditioning and lights.

The bill also would make airlines honor a passenger's ticket at a later date, with certain restrictions, when a flight is canceled or delayed for more than one hour. It also stipulates that there would be no expiration date for airline tickets for flights originating in Florida.

Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at tjackovics@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7817.

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