A series of air delays prompted by winter weather in February 2007, which stranded thousands of travelers without food, water or working bathrooms, reignited debate ove how passengers safety and comfort should be regulated and monitored. New York passed a passengers' bill of rights in August, only to have it struck down this month.
What is your attitude toward flying? Have any of your experiences shaken your confidence in the safety and convenience of air travel? Do you think states need a so-called bill of rights for air passengers to help ensure their safety and comfort?
Passenger Bill of Rights
Airline Passenger Bill of Rights Won't Be Worth the Paper It's Printed On
It's become popular for politicians to propose a "Bill of Rights" as a solution to every problem; a "Taxpayer's Bill of Rights," a "Healthcare Bill of Rights," and now an "Airline Passenger's Bill of Rights." Meanwhile, they continue to gut the real Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
They authorize warrantless searches, seize private property, set up "safety" roadblocks and establish airport security checkpoints to search 80-year old grandmothers, make everyone take off their shoes, and confiscate water bottles, all in violation of the Fourth Amendment.
They confine peaceful demonstrators to deceitfully named "free speech" zones, violating the First Amendment. The pass ever increasing and restricting rules for gun owners, violating the Second Amendment.
The Federal government recognizes no limitation on its authority, disregarding the Constitutional limits granting them only "specific and enumerated" powers, and legislate every aspect of our lives. So why do airline passengers think government will respect a bill of rights for their special interest any more than the original?
Many of the problems with airlines are caused by government interference and incompetence. A passenger "bill of rights" is akin to the government breaking your leg, then giving you a set of crutches with the claim "You couldn't walk without our help!"
Brian Irving
206 Clancy Circle
Cary NC 27511
919.467.0742