House approves air passenger rights bill

The House of Representatives on Friday passed on third and final reading the air passenger rights bill.

According to a version of the bill which hurdled the transportation committee, the proposed measure listed down the rights of passengers to full and truthful information on the contract of carriage, to fair and reasonable fare and value of service purchased, against any act of discrimination or vexation, and the right to safety, to redress and compensation, among others.

Among the salient provisions of the bill is the right to redress and compensation. Under the bill, passengers have the right to be properly and expeditiously compensated in case of delays or cancellation of flights.

The bill states that all passengers have the right to be compensated for delayed flights. Such compensation includes meals and refreshments, free
phone calls, text or internet service and first aid, among others.

The delays which demand compensation include terminal delay and tarmac delay.

The bill also enumerates the rights of passengers on cancelled flights. The compensation includes meals and refreshment, hotel accommodations near the airport, transportation service between the airport and the hotel accommodation, and free telephone calls, text, fax messages or e-mails,
among others.

Passengers whose flights were cancelled because of the fault of the air carrier also have the right to be reimbursed within five days, by electronic bank transfer, bank orders, or bank checks, travel vouchers and other services, of the full cost of the ticket for the part of the journey not made.

In situations where flights were cancelled because of safety and security reasons, passengers have the right to rebook the trip to another future trip, be reimbursed of the value of the fare, or be endorsed to another airline.
The bill also states that a passenger cannot be denied boarding except on immigration issues, safety, security and health concerns. If a passenger is
denied boarding because of overbooking, the passenger has the right to be compensated with refund, rebooking, or endorsement to another carrier.

The bill sets punitive measures on errant airline companies. Failure to comply with the passenger bill of rights may result in the suspension or even revocation of franchise or license to operate. Violations under the bill may also be penalized under related laws. such as the Consumer Act,
the Civil Aeronautics Act, among others.