U.S. proposes improved passenger protection rules

The Obama administration is pushing for new stricter consumer laws that would help protect passengers. Under the proposal, airline passengers would receive as much as $1,300, up from the current $800, in the event that they were bumped from a flight and have 24 hours to cancel a reservation without suffering a penalty.

In addition, the new rules would make it mandatory for airlines to clearly disclose the following information to customers:

• Baggage fee policy
• Refunds and expense reimbursement for lost or late bags.
• Note when fees go up.
• Inform passengers if they need to pay a check bag fee with that particular flight.

Airlines would also have to do away with price increases after a ticket is purchased as well as provide customers with flight-status changes in a timely fashion.The new rules are expected to go into effect this fall.

Source: New York Times