Foreign Airlines Now Subject To Same Rules As Domestic Carriers
NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - There's some good news for travellers planning to head to John F. Kennedy International Airport.
WCBS 880's Marla Diamond With The Story
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New rules have gone into effect aimed to prevent nightmare scenarios like the one Max Asprey had to endure.
Asprey was one of the thousands of international passengers stranded at JFK after last December's blizzard.
"It's mentally and physically very fatiguing. So, it's about 11 hours on the plane after it landed," he said.
"We kept getting told we have to wait two hours. Two hours later, we have to wait an hour," said another air passenger.
Under the new rules, foreign airlines will be subject to the same fines as domestic airlines - such as a fine of more than $27,000 per passenger if they leave a plane on the tarmac for more than four hours.
Another passenger protection would give those who are bumped from flights double the ticket amount, up to $650 dollars.
Other measures in the new U.S. Department of Transportation rules include:
· Requiring all taxes and fees to be included in advertised fares.
· Banning post-purchase price increases.
· Allowing passengers to hold a reservation without payment, or to cancel it without penalty, for 24 hours after the reservation is made, if the reservation is made one week or more prior to a flight's departure date.
· Requiring disclosure of baggage fees when passengers book a flight.
· Requiring that the same baggage allowances and fees apply throughout a passenger's journey.
· Requiring disclosure of baggage fee information on e-ticket confirmations.
· Requiring prompt notification of delays of over 30 minutes, as well as cancellations and diversions.
Were you stranded by the blizzard? Share your story in the comments section below!
