Congress sticks its nose into JetBlue fiasco (2 articles)

[EveningStar]

Thanks to the stupidity of JetBlue, we now have Congress coming to the rescue with more regulations.

JetBlue debacle spurs passenger rights bill in congress

Boxer to introduce legislation in Senate to boost fliers' rights

[EveningStar]

More INTRUSIVE Socialist government.

Brought on by irresponsible behavior by the airlines.

[billbears]

Judge Napolitiano on last night's O'Reilly factor stated that passengers do not have a right to force their way off of the plane because, since the passage of the Patriot Act, such action would subject them to criminal penalties up to 20 years in prison.

Woo-hoo, another side effect of the 'Patriot' Act!! I don't believe government should be involved in regulating business like this but perhaps they need to do something to assist passengers against the companies so passengers can leave if they want and not be locked in an airplane for 10 hours. Hmmmmm...let's see....pass another law? nope, just more red tape...surely there's something they could do....oh I know!!

Get rid of the 'Patriot' Act!!

[mr_hammer]

"One day this kind of mistreatment is going to cause an ugly incident."

...that's why they really screen for weapons. (Humor people, humor!)

Actually, it is people trying to fly coast to coast for $99.00. What the market will pay is actually is a lot less than what the service really costs to provide, hence the gov't handouts and bailouts of the industry.

Being kept in a stationary plane is just wrong! That was mistake No.1! Mistake No.2 was not trying to make amends to those on board.

IMO, the people who work in the aviation business are to be commended. The B**** is with management.

[taxcontrol]

I agree with #1 but #2 might be a bit more difficult for the airlines to implement. A lot of schedules are dependent on planes completing certain "paths" and departure times.

[rellimpank]

---so you think the Feds will do a great job of "fixing" the problem--??

[EveningStar]

No.

[Republicus2001]

Can Jet Blue just move planes around the tarmac at will? Might the real blame be on the government air controllers who have the actual fiduciary responsibility of plane movement on ground?

[Republicus2001]

Someone said it well yesterday. The airlines are simply the Greyhound buses of modern day. Just buses with wings. Choose your poision

[Texas_shutterbug]

Right now, if you attempt to leave the plane, you can be convicted of a crime, so basically, you are held hostage. TEN HOURS? Didn't they learn anything from the American Airlines fiasco a few weeks ago? I'll tell you what they learned - that they can get away with it.

That is not acceptable, and if the government gets involved, then too bad for the airlines.

[voltaires_zit]

There is no problem so pressing, serious or complicated that government action can't make it worse.

That said, the airlines have gone well beyond sane, let alone reasonable, courses of action. The plane wasn't 30 miles outside of Ulaan Baator, it was on a runway at a major airport. There was no reason to keep those people essentially captive. And this isn't the first time, though it's the worst I've heard of.

[plumcrazy]

Back in January American Airlines kept a plane on the tarmac for 9 hours or some such. Unbelievably stupid. Two bad days for different airlines. Their management is sorry indeed. I can't believe highly paid executives and their subordinates treat passengers like cattle.

[wiley]

Can you give specifics about the Delta incident?

[Texas_shutterbug]

Heard on tv yesterday that it was a crime punishable by years in prison - maybe part of the new WOT laws?

[wiley]

What is the specific crime one commits by leaving a plane?

[EveningStar]

The airline was too cheap and greedy to cancel the flight. As for the crew, they were reaping a lot of overtime. A$$holes.

[EveningStar]

BTW, a lady who was stuck in the American Airlines debacle a few weeks ago, has been campaigning for a passengers bill of rights. Here is her blog:

Coalition for an Airline Passengers' Bill of Rights

[Texas_shutterbug]

I think it's part of the Patriot Act. You cannot force your way out of a plane, so essentially you are captive until the powers that be decide to let you out.

[gcruse]

"Think these regs will apply to Pelosi's private jumbo jet? "

She doesn't have a jumbo jet.
The plane is government, not private.
Would you want Cheney and Pelosi to fly commercial?
Other than that, great post.

[EveningStar]

Delta Travelers Suffer Through Similar JFK Ordeal

[Smber]

Bub:
I've been on planes that have taken off in sleet. It IS a government regulation, by the way.