For Release: Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

AVIATION SUBCOMMITTEE EXAMINES CONSUMER ISSUES

Washington - The House Aviation Subcommittee held a hearing today to review emergency contingency planning and the outlook for summer travel. This is one in a series of hearings on consumer issues. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL), Chairman of the Subcommittee, has pledged to keep a close eye on how air travelers are treated, particularly in regard to delays, since he took over as Chairman in 2007 – a record year for consumer complaints.

The Subcommittee heard testimony from witnesses from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the U.S. Department of Transportation Inspector General, the Air Transport Association, airport groups, flight attendants and an air travelers’ rights organization. They discussed the fact that while consumer complaints are down since 2007, further improvements are necessary. Tomorrow, the full House of Representatives will consider H.R. 915, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009, which includes several important consumer provisions, particularly the need for airports and airlines to provide for passengers’ needs during extended tarmac delays.

“An important part of getting better customer service is making sure that the industry is making good on its promises to the flying public,” said Costello. “Given the reduced traffic caused by the economic downturn, it makes sense that consumer complaints are down. The harder part is making sure that this trend endures as flights increase in the future. The Aviation Subcommittee will continue to review this progress as well as push for the technological upgrades that will help reduce congestion and delays.”

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