Frequent Flyer

Major media increase pressure for Passenger Bill of Rights


Family at the airport terminal
Tim Winship

    No doubt you've heard the rising tide of complaints about the delays and other indignities foisted upon the traveling public by the airlines. And you're probably aware of the related movement among both the public and some politicians to enforce airline accountability by passing a Passenger Bill of Rights.

    But did you know that three of the country's largest newspapers have recently gone on the record as favoring legislative action?

    I didn't.

    According to

    Executive Travel magazine

    , the

    New York Times

    , the

    Washington Post

    , and the

    Philadelphia Inquirer

    have all weighed in on the issue, calling for Congress to step up and demand that the airlines improve their performance.

    The article quotes the

    Post

    editorial as follows: "The airlines may chafe at federal intervention, but their record of treating paying customers like cattle—with no remorse—left Washington little choice."

    Could this be the tipping point, when momentum from consumer rights' advocates finally overcomes the stonewalling of airlines and their lobbyists?

    One can only hope.