News reports of record levels of flight delays and cancellations have brought the failures of the airline industry to the nation’s attention.  As a frequent flyer, I know how important it is for airlines to provide better service.  Airline companies need to be held accountable for their poor performance and more responsible for their passengers.   That is why I am co-sponsoring the Airline Passenger Bill of Rights Act of 2007.  This important legislation will require airlines to:

• Establish specific procedures for handling passenger complaints
• Provide customers with flight information about delays, cancellations, or diversions
• Provide passengers on a delayed grounded aircraft with food, water, sanitary, and medical services
• Publish a monthly list of chronically delayed flights and provide that information to customers when tickets are purchased
• Publish and update lowest fare and schedule information
• Make every effort to return lost baggage within 24 hours
• Allow customers to exit an aircraft if grounded for more than 3 hours

Hopefully, airlines will respond to passenger outrage and begin making some of the necessary changes voluntarily.  Sometimes consumer activism is the best way to bring about needed changes.