The new rules that could make flying better for everyone
A new rule could remove one of the most irritating things about long haul flights – the ever-shrinking size of the aeroplane seat.
As airlines try to squeeze more and more seats onto one flight, passengers have suffered the impact of legroom seemingly disappearing every year.
However, a new law could set a global trend to make sure seat and leg room doesn’t get any smaller.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which regulates civil aviation in the United States, could soon set a minimum requirement for aircraft seat width and legroom.
The regulations were part of a FAA funding plan considered by US Congress this week.
Last year, the FAA rejected the idea of setting minimum standards for seat width and legroom but it appears Congress is pushing the aviation authority to go ahead with it.
Reportedly, both chambers of Congress were passionate about putting an end to the “ever-shrinking” seat crisis in airlines.
“Relief could soon be on the way for weary airline passengers facing smaller and smaller seats,” Democratic senator Bill Nelson said.
The proposed bill, which Congress have until Sunday to agree on or to extend, will also stop airlines kicking passengers off overbooked flights.
This practice was highlighted after Dr David Dao was dramatically dragged from a United Airlines plane in April 2017.
The proposed bill will also ban pets from being stowed in the overheard compartment, following another infamous case this year when a family’s beloved French bulldog died mid-flight.
Among other changes, the FAA will also make airlines give refunds to passengers for services not received, such as if their in-flight entertainment system didn’t work.
It would also ensure pregnant passengers were boarded early on flights.
However, the version of the bill that is being revised by Congress removed a provision to regulate what airlines could charge in extra fees, such as for baggage and seating reservations.
According to the Washington Post, US airlines were forecast to make $6.5 billion by the end of the year in extra fees.
The provision would’ve allowed the US Department of Transport to decide if extra charges became “unreasonable” or out of line.
“Airline travellers are being gouged by exorbitant fees, but the airlines will stop at nothing to protect this billion-dollar profit centre,” Democratic senator Edward J Markey said.
Which rule will you be most happy to see implemented in airlines? Let us know in the comments below.