The Code of Conduct for Airlines

The Airline Passengers' Bill of Rights makes flying the friendly skies friendlier.

In 2010, the United States Department of Transportation put the "Passengers' Bill of Rights" into effect. It is a set of rules and regulations intended to protect the rights of passengers on domestic airline flights and set a code of conduct for airlines to follow.

Rules

The rules outlined in the Passengers' Bill of Rights state that if a plane is delayed on the tarmac for more than three hours, the passengers must be allowed to deplane. Airlines may face a fine of $27,500 per passenger for breaking this rule. Also, food, drinking water, working toilet facilities, and medical treatment (if necessary) must be provided within two hours of the delay.

Exceptions

Airlines may be eligible for an exemption from these rules if deplaning would place the passengers' safety or security at risk. Other exceptions, such as airport construction, may also become factors.

Larger Impact

Deplaning as a result of delayed flights may result in further delay or even cancellation of flights. Returning to the initial gate to allow passengers to deplane is time-consuming. Flight attendants' and pilots' contracts may only allow them to work a certain number of hours in a row, resulting in their need to take breaks from shifts that grow longer than expected.

References

• U.S. Senator Barbra Boxer: Senate passes Boxer-Snowe Airline Passenger Bill of Rights

Resources

• Flyers' Rights: The Largest Non-Profit Airline Consumer Organization
• Bill Text, H.R. 1586, FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety