Codifies airlines' refund obligations for flight delays and cancellations
Improves accessibility for passengers with disabilities, extends Affordable Connectivity Program
Improves air travel safety and consumer protections
Increases funding for hiring and training new air traffic controllers
Senate passes bipartisan FAA reauthorization bill
The United States Senate passed a bipartisan bill on May 9, 2024, to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the next five years. The legislation aims to improve air travel safety and consumer protections. The bill received overwhelming support from both Democrats and Republicans, passing with a vote of 88-4.
One of the key provisions in the bill is an increase in funding for hiring and training new air traffic controllers to address the current shortage. This comes after a series of close calls between planes at various airports across the country, highlighting the importance of adequate staffing to ensure aviation safety.
Another significant aspect of the bill is codifying airlines' refund obligations to passengers for flight delays and cancellations. The legislation mandates that passengers are entitled to a refund if their domestic flight is delayed by more than three hours or an international flight by more than six hours. This provision aims to provide greater transparency and accountability in the airline industry.
The bill also includes measures to improve accessibility for passengers with disabilities, such as requiring airlines to accommodate seating requests and setting new training standards for airline personnel handling wheelchairs. Additionally, it extends the Affordable Connectivity Program to ensure that low-income families have access to affordable internet services.
Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine from Virginia, along with Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen from Maryland, introduced an amendment to block additional flights in and out of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. However, the amendment was not included in the final bill due to opposition from other senators who argued for more flights to accommodate growing demand.
The FAA reauthorization bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration before being sent to President Biden for signing into law.
The Senate passed a $105 billion bill to improve safety and customer service for air travelers before the FAA law expires.
The bill requires airlines to pay a refund to customers for flight delays: three hours for a domestic flight and six hours for an international one.
It would require new airline planes to have cockpit voice recorders capable of saving 25 hours of audio, up from the current two hours.
The bill improves access for passengers with disabilities by requiring airlines to accommodate seating requests and setting new training standards for airline personnel who handle and store wheelchairs.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stressed the importance of getting the reauthorization past both chambers and signed before its expiration on May 10.
Virginia Democratic Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, and Maryland Democratic Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen introduced an amendment to block additional flights in and out of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport from the FAA Reauthorization Act.
Sen. Mike Lee offered an amendment to prevent use of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) app as valid identification for illegal immigrants in the FAA bill.
Sen. J.D. Vance wanted to see the Affordable Connectivity Program extended as part of the FAA’s five-year extension.
Sen. Josh Hawley had continued his push to have his bill that compensates nuclear radiation victims added to the measure.
