Airlines Passenger Bill of Rights

On December 21, 2009, it was announced that newer penalties imposed upon the airlines for stranded passengers could amount to about $27,000 per passenger. Airlines that are stranded for more than 2 hours must provide working bathrooms and food/ beverages to all passengers or faced the severe financial fines. This was long overdue, says passenger advocates. In fact, passengers have been waiting since 2007. About 114,000 passengers each year are stuck inside airplanes that for whatever reason, cannot take off for at least 2 hours. 

Airlines complain that these fines will force airlines to adjust their flight schedules, spacing them further apart and start carrying food (those that don't already do so). Apparently, this is a problem. Of course, passengers are more concerned about being stuck for hours (some up to 14 hours) without food, drink, or bathrooms. 

www.nytimes.com