Senator Chuck Schumer lauded the Senate’s decision, describing the bill as a “win-win-win” for safety, passengers, and Upstate New York airports. “Aviation safety has been front of mind for millions of Americans recently,” Schumer stated. “This FAA bill will help give people the peace of mind they deserve, all while making a smoother travel experience.”

Enhanced Consumer Protections for Air Travellers

The proposed bill introduces several measures to protect airline passengers:

• Refunds for Canceled or Delayed Flights: Airlines will be required to refund passengers for domestic flights delayed by three hours and international flights delayed by six hours.
• Extended Ticket Credit Validity: Airline ticket credits must be valid for at least five years.
• 24/7 Customer Service Access: Airlines will need to provide free, round-the-clock access to customer service via phone, live chat, or text message.
• Compensation for Expenses: Airlines must establish policies for reimbursing lodging, transportation, and meal costs incurred due to cancellations or significant delays caused by the carrier.
• Increased Penalties for Consumer Violations: The U.S. Department of Transportation’s civil penalty for consumer violations will triple from $25,000 to $75,000 per violation.

Additional Provisions in the Bill

Beyond consumer protections, the bill mandates significant reforms and investments:

• Air Traffic Controller Hiring: The FAA will increase hiring to address staffing gaps among air traffic controllers.
• Pilot Training Requirements: The 1500-hour rule for pilot flight hours before certification as an Airline Transport Pilot and First Officer will be maintained.
• Zero-Tolerance Safety Policies: The bill enforces a zero-tolerance policy for near misses, runway incursions, and surface safety risks.

Funding Allocations

The bill includes billions of dollars for various aviation initiatives:

• National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB): Funding to support NTSB operations.
• Safety Programs: Investments in aircraft certification reform and air carrier oversight.
• Airport Revitalisation: Funds dedicated to improving airfield safety and aiding small community airports like the Greater Binghamton Airport and the Adirondack Regional Airport.

Next Steps

The bill now awaits approval from the House of Representatives and President Joe Biden, with a vote expected this week. Some provisions will take effect immediately upon passage, while others will be implemented by the U.S. Department of Transportation through its rule-making process.