U.S Senator John Thune is piloting an airline bill in Congress that's being touted as one of the most consumer-friendly pieces of legislation in years. Thune is chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee that's been crafting the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2016.
The bill calls on airlines to be more upfront with you about fees they charge. They would also have to provide full disclosures about why they cancel flights and ticket information for families who want to sit together.
Air travelers like Freeman native Lynda Stucky think it's about time that airlines become more flier-friendly, even if Congress has to force their hand.
"It can be really, really frustrating if your flight doesn't come in on time, or if your flight is completely canceled, it can be extremely frustrating," Stucky said.
The FAA Reauthorization Act requires airlines to be more accountable to passengers when it comes to flight information and fees they charge.
"For example, if an airline charges a baggage fee which many airlines are now doing, if they lose your luggage, they have to refund that," U.S. Sen. John Thune said.
But the airline industry says the bill only adds more costly government regulation that will eventually lead to higher airfares. Senator Thune disagrees. He says the proposed reforms are not-over-the-top.
"There are whole series of consumer protections in this bill that we think are going to be good for the traveling public," Thune said.
Passengers say making the airlines more accountable will restore their faith in booking future flights.
"If they're more transparent about what they're doing, I think you have a lot more confidence and you put a lot more trust into them when they are more transparent," Stucky.
The bill also includes reforms intended to boost airport security, including tightening the vetting process for employees who have access to restricted areas.