PRESS RELEASES

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Announces Partnership with CLC Lodging; Partnership Offers Hotel Savings Card Program WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 8, 2013) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (“AAPR”) today announced its partnership with CLC Lodging (www.clclodging.com), which will provide exclusive lodging benefits to AAPR members. The partnership includes a hotel savings card program for participating hotels nationwide.  [PDF | DOC]

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Releases Pet Resource; “Passenger Guide to Pet Safe Travel” highlights important travel tips for passengers flying with their furry companions WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 23, 2013) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (“AAPR”) today released its online publication, “Passenger Guide to Pet Safe Travel.” The guide, which is published as part of a strategic partnership with m (TWP) announced last month by AAPR, provides airline passengers with information, helpful tips and resources designed to make pet safe flying more achievable. The guide is being made available for free for all airline passengers.  [PDF | DOC] Download the Guide: Click here

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Questions Logic Behind TSA Decision to Allow Pocket Knives on Aircraft; policy puts flight crews and passengers at risk WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 6, 2013) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (“AAPR”) today condemned the Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) for its decision to allow pocket knives aboard aircraft. The new changes, which will take effect on April 25th, will put flight crews and passengers, alike, at risk.  [PDF | DOC] LA Times: TSA to allow small knives on planes

Association for Airline Passenger Rights and TripsWithPets Announce Partnership to Advance Pet Friendly Travel; Partnership seeks to provide passengers with tips to make travel more enjoyable for their furry companions WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 27, 2013) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (“AAPR”) today announced a strategic partnership with TripsWithPets (TWP), an online resource named BEST pet travel site by Consumer Reports! The basis of the partnerships is to assist airline passengers find pet friendly accommodations, airline pet policies, pet travel tips, pet travel supplies, along with other pet travel resources. It aims to make pet safe travel a little easier.  [PDF | DOC]

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Expresses Caution Over Proposed US Airways – American Airlines Merger; Fewer airlines means less competition and higher fares…and fees WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 13, 2013) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (“AAPR”) today expressed caution over the proposed merger between US Airways and American Airlines, which represent the 5th and 3rd largest domestic air carriers, respectively. If the merger is allowed to proceed, then passengers stand to lose because they will have fewer choices, less competitive fares, and service to smaller airports will likely dwindle.  [PDF | DOC] LA Times: American, US Airways approve merger AL.com: American Airlines and US Airways agree to merger (reports) Business Travel Coalition: American Airlines – US Airways Proposed Merger Problematic; Benefits insufficient to offset consumer harms

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Cautions Improved Rate of Mishandled Baggage Came with a Hefty Price Tag; Airlines collected $2.6 billion in baggage fees during first three quarters of 2012 WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 13, 2013) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (“AAPR”) today cautioned that the welcomed news about airlines reporting their lowest rate of mishandled baggage in 18 years should be balanced against the record fees being collected by the same airlines. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, airlines collected more than $2.6 billion in baggage fees during the first three quarters of 2012, which will likely exceed the baggage fees collected the previous year once the year-end totals are announced.  [PDF | DOC]

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Applauds Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood for his Unwavering Commitment to Improving Airline Passenger Rights; among his notable accomplishments is finally ending excessive tarmac delays WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 30, 2013) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (“AAPR”) today publically thanked Secretary Ray LaHood for his exemplary service leading the U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”), and applauding his proven record for improving airline passenger rights. Yesterday, Secretary LaHood informed President Obama that after serving for four years at the helm of DOT, he would not be staying on for the second term.  [PDF | DOC]

Association for Airline Passenger Rights and Shelterous Announce Interactive Partnership to Promote Passenger Airline Reviews; Partnership seeks to provide passengers with tools to make more informed travel decisions WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 7, 2013) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (“AAPR”) today announced a groundbreaking partnership with Shelterous, an airline review platform that provides a place for passengers to share their opinion about airline convenient service easily. The AAPR-Shelterous partnership further protects airline passenger rights by providing interactive tools to better educate would-be flyers with reviews about various airlines and their flights.  [PDF | DOC]

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Launches National Grassroots Campaign Targeting Troubled Transportation Security Administration; “End TSA Tyranny” Calls for Agency Reforms & Overhaul of Airport Security WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 15, 2012) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (“AAPR”) today launched a national campaign highlighting the failures of the Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”), calling for immediate reforms to the troubled federal agency. The “End TSA Tyranny” campaign is encouraging air travelers to share their “stories” about personal experiences with TSA, developing a national grassroots network, and endorsing the use of private security firms at airports. The campaign is being featured by a new website, www.endTSAtyranny.com. Additionally, several social media outlets are promoting the campaign on Facebook (endTSAtyranny) and Twitter (@endTSAtyranny).  [PDF]

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Expresses Disappointment over Supreme Court’s Refusal to Hear Case on TSA “Naked Body” Scanners WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 2, 2012) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (“AAPR”) today expressed disappointment over the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to bypass hearing arguments over why the so-called “Naked Body” scanners violate the Fourth Amendment privacy rights under the U.S. Constitution. The lawsuit, filed by Jonathan Corbett against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“HS”) and Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”), challenged the legality of the scanners, as well as the enhanced pat-downs. Corbett is the same activist who posted a video online demonstrating that the scanners are ineffective.  [PDF | DOC]

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Offers NAAFA-Sponsored Travel Brochure for Passengers of Size WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 28, 2012) -- The Association for Airline Passenger Rights, (AAPR) today announced that it has endorsed a travel brochure made available by NAAFA for passengers of size. Air travel is no longer convenient, customer friendly or fun, especially for passengers of large body size. NAAFA, in association with AAPR, has developed a new travel tips for people of size brochure to help make traveling easier and more pleasant, while improving the air travel experience for everyone.  [PDF | DOC] Download NAAFA/AAPR Travel Brochure MSNBC.com: Flying? New brochure offers travel tips for passengers of size

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Welcomes Modified Security Screenings for Seniors 75 and Older WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 15, 2012) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (“AAPR”) today welcomed the announcement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“HS”) and Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) about its modified security screening protocol for passengers 75 years and older. The procedures, which will be tested at four airports, moves away from TSA’s one-size-fits-all approach to screening passengers, and toward a more “intelligence-driven security system.”  [PDF | DOC]

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Cautions Against “Slippery Slope” of Court Ruling in the United Kingdom; Decision could pave way for substandard treatment toward passengers of size and passengers with disabilities WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 14, 2012) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (“AAPR”) today expressed concern over a Court of Appeals ruling in the United Kingdom, which some observers say could lead to a “fat tax” on passengers of size, and strip passengers with disabilities of their dignity. Since the airline industry is already suffering a decline in customer service, questions linger over whether the airlines could establish second-rate standards for passengers of size and passengers with disabilities.  [PDF | DOC]

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Applauds Department of Homeland Security for Expanding ™ Pilot to Busiest US Airports WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 8, 2012) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (“AAPR”) today applauded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“HS”) and Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) for expanding its ™ Pilot to the nation’s busiest airports. The passenger pre-screening initiative will be made available at airports across the country following the program’s success at seven pilot locations. AAPR was among the first consumer rights groups calling for TSA to expand the program.  [PDF | DOC]

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Welcomes New Federal Regulations to Prevent Airline Pilot Fatigue; Families of plane crashes propel first comprehensive change since 1960s Rules come three years after fatal crash of Colgan Air flight 3407 WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 22, 2011) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) today welcomed the new federal regulations to prevent airline pilot fatigue issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The new rules are the first comprehensive changes in over a generation to the outdated laws governing airline pilot fatigue.  [PDF | DOC]

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Applauds Legislation Introduced by Representative Marsha Blackburn to Prohibit Certain TSA Employees from Using the Title ‘Officer’ and Wearing Uniforms Resembling Law Enforcement WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 15, 2011) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (“AAPR”) today applauded U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) leadership for introducing legislation to prohibit certain employees of the Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) from using the title of ‘officer’ and from wearing uniforms and carrying badges resembling those of law enforcement officers. The legislation, “Stop TSA’s Reach In Policy Act of 2011,” or STRIP Act, (H.R. 3806), would place restrictions on TSA employees who have not received Federal law enforcement training or is not eligible for Federal law enforcement benefits.  [PDF | DOC] CNN: Bill would strip TSA officers of badges in reaction to alleged strip searches

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Issues “Airline Baggage Fee Free Holiday Challenge” to the Airlines; Challenge seeks temporary cessation of baggage fees during holidays Between struggling economy and higher holiday airfare, consumers deserve reprieve from record high baggage fees WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 22, 2011) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) today issued a friendly challenge to the airline industry asking for a temporary reprieve from their baggage fees being imposed on airline passengers. The “Airline Baggage Fee Free Holiday Challenge” is being issued in response to the ongoing economic woes already hurting consumers, as well as the anticipated hike in airfares during the upcoming holiday season. Airlines are being asked to temporarily cease levying their baggage fees on airline passengers from November 23, 2011 through the end of the year.  [PDF | DOC] LA Times: Airlines urged to ease up on baggage fees 89.3 KPCC Los Angeles: High fees and high fares in the…'friendly skies'

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Applauds DOT’s Decision to Fine American Eagle for Violating its Tarmac Delay Rule; $900,000 fine represents first of its kind under new rule to protect airline passengers against excessive tarmac delays WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 14, 2011) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (“AAPR”) today applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (“DOT”) decision to levy the first-of-its-kind fine under its new tarmac delay rule. The $900,000 fine, which was announced against American Eagle, came in response to excessive tarmac delays at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport on May 29, 2011, which impacted 15 flights and 608 passengers.  [PDF | DOC]

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Celebrates 25th Anniversary of the Air Carrier Access Act; Groundbreaking law made air travel more accessible for passengers with disabilities WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 9, 2011) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) today celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 (ACAA). The law laid the foundation for making air travel more accessible for persons with disabilities, and to this day continues to protect the rights of passengers with disabilities.  [PDF | DOC]

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Calls on Congress to Act on Government Accountability Office’s Recommendations; GAO Issues Report, “Airline Passenger Protections: More Data and Analysis Needed to Understand Effects of Flight Delays," (GAO-11-733) To enhance aviation consumers' decision-making, DOT should collect and publicize more comprehensive on-time performance data WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 20, 2011) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (“AAPR”) today called on the U.S. Congress to heed the recommendations issued by the Government Accountability Office (“GAO”) in its recent report, Airline Passenger Protections: More Data and Analysis Needed to Understand Effects of Flight Delays (GAO-11-733). GAO’s findings, which included expert testimony provided by AAPR, seek to enhance aviation consumers' decision-making. [PDF | DOC] Download GAO-11-733 eTurboNews - Passenger rights group calls on Congress to act on GAO's...

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Joins with Consumer Groups to Spotlight Airline Greed and Hidden Fees; Sends letter to Air Transport Association and U.S. Department of Transportation WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 14, 2011) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) today joined a coalition of consumer interest groups in a letter to the CEO of the Air Transport Association that condemned airline executives for two major anti-consumer moves over the last few months — pocketing tax monies that should have gone to consumers and continuing to obscure their proliferating airline fees. [PDF | DOC] Download Consumer Groups Letter to ATA

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Welcomes TSA Ending its “Shoes Off” Security Screenings; other changes also expected WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 6, 2011) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) today welcomed the news that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“HS”) and Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) were moving toward revisions to airport security screening procedures – including allowing passengers to keep on their shoes. TSA’s “shoes off” policy has been in effect since 2001, despite its questionable effectiveness. [PDF | DOC] eTurboNews - Passenger rights group welcomes TSA ending "shoes off" screenings

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Expresses Outrage Over TSA's Treatment of Passenger with Severe Mental Illness; Cruel Treatment Exhibited by TSA Agents Warrants Immediate Review WASHINGTON, DC (June 15, 2011) - The Association for Airline Passenger Rights ("AAPR") today expressed outrage over the Transportation Security Administration's ("TSA") cruel treatment toward a 22-year old passenger with several mental illness despite concerns expressed by his family that he had the mental capacity of a 2-year old. The incident, which occurred at Metro Detroit's McNamera Terminal (DTW) while the family was flying to Disney World, demonstrates that an immediate need exists for TSA's to review its policies to prevent future abuse and humiliation of passengers with physical, sensory, cognitive and mental disabilities. AAPR contends that the incident violates the spirit of the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 (ACAA). [PDF | DOC]

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Supports Legislation Introduced by House Homeland Security Subcommittee Chairman Robert Aderholt to Cutoff Funding for Full Body Scanners; Legislation reflects growing passenger anger over privacy infringement and health hazards WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 16, 2011) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (“AAPR”) today applauded House Homeland Security Subcommittee Chairman Robert Aderholt (R-AL) leadership for introducing legislation to cut off federal funding for the full body scanners used by the Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”). Chairman Aderholt’s legislation – which would authorize appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012 – does not provide $76 million requested by the President for 275 additional advanced inspection technology (AIT) scanners nor the 535 staff requested to operate them. [PDF | DOC]

Association for Airline Passenger Announces Partnership with Solutions Marketing Group to Offer Airline Accessibility & Etiquette Training for Commercial Airlines; Training comes in response to violations of the ‘Air Carrier Access Act’ leading to DOT fines Over 80% of airline passengers with disabilities have identified obstacles WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 4, 2011) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (“AAPR”) today announced a strategic partnership with Solutions Marketing Group (“SMG”) designed to offer commercial airlines training on accessibility and etiquette standards for their passengers with disabilities. The trainings are being provided to help mitigate complaints, train airline staff with practical skills needed to offer exceptional customer service, and offer solutions for U.S. Air Carriers to strategically grow their business. [PDF | DOC]

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Celebrates New DOT Rule on Airline Passenger Protections; Rule builds on protections put in place last year by DOT Secretary Ray LaHood New protections cover ancillary fees, bumping, as well as tarmac delays WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 20, 2011) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (“AAPR”) today celebrated the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (“DOT”) new airline passenger protections. Building upon the passenger rights regulations implemented by DOT in 2010, these new protections encompass lost bags and bag fees, full disclosure of additional fees, bumping and expansion of the tarmac delay rule. AAPR submitted comment last year when DOT announced the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”), calling for stronger airline passenger protections, as well as submitted guidance to the Government Accountability Office regarding the same. [PDF | DOC]  Download DOT Regulations at www.regulations.gov, docket DOT-OST-2010-0140 Read DOT Press Statement at www.dot.gov/affairs/2011/dot5111.html MSNBC: New rules tackle airline fees, bumping, flight delays

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Applauds Legislation Introduced by Representative Jason Chaffetz to Require Parental Supervision During the Pat-Down of a Child; Legislation spurred by YouTube video showing TSA conducting invasive search of a child WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 19, 2011) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (“AAPR”) today applauded U.S. Representative Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) leadership for introducing legislation to curb abusive practices by the Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”). The legislation, “TSA Screening of Minors Act of 2011” (H.R. 1510), would amend title 49, United States Code, to prohibit a pat down search of minor for purposes of air transportation security without the consent and presence of a parent of the minor, and for other purposes. [PDF | DOC]  Washington Post: Bill requires TSA seek parental OK before patting-down a child CBS News: TSA child pat-down video spurs new legislation

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Hails DOT Tarmac Delay Rule Stellar Success; February 2011 Tarmac Delay Data Shows No Delays Longer than 3-Hours Group asks airlines, “What Happened to Your Dire Predictions that Skies will Fall with Tarmac Delay Rule?” WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 12, 2011) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (“AAPR”) today applauded the 3-hour tarmac delay ruled enacted by the U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”) ten months ago, calling it a stellar success for airline consumers. Despite dire predictions by the airline industry, DOT’s common sense rule prohibiting U.S. air carriers from keeping an aircraft on the tarmac for longer than three hours without deplaning passengers, has not resulted in the “skies falling.” There were no flights with tarmac delays of more than three hours in February 2011. [PDF | DOC]

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Calls on TSA to Discontinue Using Full-Body Scanners Pending Radiation Tests Results; Internal review showed calculation errors and other mistakes WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 14, 2011) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (“AAPR”) today called on the Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) to immediately discontinue using all radiation-emitting full-body scanners until the retesting ordered by the agency is completed. What TSA has characterized as “record-keeping” errors has raised additional concerns about the safety of the scanners. [PDF | DOC] CNN.com: TSA orders 're-tests' of radiation levels on airport body scanners Mail Online: TSA admits bungle as tests on body scanners show TEN times more radiation than expected The Daily Caller: TSA scanning machines produce 10 times more radiation than expected The Los Angeles Times: TSA to retest airport scanners after missing data, reporting errors ThirdAge.com: Cancer Risks From Airport Screenings Are Minimal, Say TSA

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Applauds DOT for Fining Delta Airlines for Violating the Air Carrier Access Act; $2 Million Fine Levied for Violating Rules Protecting Air Travelers with Disabilities WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 18, 2011) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) today applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”) for fining Delta Airlines $2 million for violating rules protecting air travelers with disabilities. The fine represents ongoing effort by DOT to vigorously enforce the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 (ACAA). [PDF | DOC]

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Calls on TSA Administrator to Apologize for Calling Passengers Concerns “Irresponsible”; Urges Passengers to Support “National Opt-Out Day” WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 15, 2010) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) today called on John S. Pistole, Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, to publically apologize to the millions of air travelers he referred to as being “irresponsible” for having concerns about his agency’s intrusive security screening techniques. TSA’s arrogant response to passenger concerns is seen as being just as bad as its new aggressive pat-down searches of airlines passengers. Passengers are urged to support the “National Opt-Out Day” which is scheduled for Wednesday, November 24, 2010. [PDF | DOC] National Opt-Out Day NYC FOX News 5: Airport Body Scan Protest Becomes Internet Hit Bloomberg: ‘Fed Up’ Travelers, Unions Balk at Airport Body Scans

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Calls on TSA to Immediately Discontinue Pat-Down Searches; Calls Technique Flawed and Intrusive WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 9, 2010) - The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) today called on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's ("USHS") Transportation Security Administration ("TSA") to immediately discontinue its new aggressive pat-down searches of airlines passengers. The new screening technique seen as doing little to improve safety at the expense of passenger privacy rights, thus diverting attention and resources from other meaningful safety measures. [PDF | DOC] The Washington Post: New searches too personal for some air travelers USA Today: Airport screeners get more aggressive with pat-downs

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Calls on USDOT to Levy Maximum Fine Against US Airways for Treatment of Disabled Passenger; Airline’s Actions Violated the Air Carrier Access Act WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 18, 2010) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) today called on the U.S. Department of Transportation (“USDOT”) to levy the maximum allowable fine against US Airways for its recent treatment of Johnnie Tuitel when an US Airways employee removed him from the plane, telling him that he was “too disabled to fly alone.” The incident occurred on September 23rd when Mr. Tuitel was flying from West Palm Beach, Florida, to Kansas City, Missouri. [PDF |DOC]

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Supports “Baggage Transparency and Accountability Act”; Legislation assists consumers to compare airfares and other costs applicable to airline tickets WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 3, 2010) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) today applauded Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia for introducing the “Baggage Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010” (S.3691), and announced its strong support for his legislation. The legislation would end potentially “unfair or deceptive practices” by commercial airlines by requiring them to provide clear pricing information to consumers. [DOC | PDF] eTurboNews: Airline Baggage Transparency and Accountability Act

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Urges Passengers to Avoid Flying Spirit Airlines until ‘Carry-On’ Luggage Fees are Eliminated; Decision comes as Spirit Airlines set to impose fees on carry-on luggage effective August 1st WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 27, 2010) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) today urged the flying public to avoid patronizing Spirit Airlines and temporarily cease flying on the airline until it eliminates its new “carry-on” luggage fees, set to take effect on August 1, 2010. Spirit Airlines is poised to take the airline industry’s current ‘nickel & dime’ business model to the next level by imposing more fees on its customers for carry-on luggage. AAPR is the only consumer rights organization to take this position thus far. [DOC | PDF] Los Angeles Times: Passenger group urges boycott of Spirit Airlines over carry-on fee

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Responds to Spirit Airlines Decision to Impose Fees on Carry-On Luggage; passengers are fed up with the 'nickel and dime' approach WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 6, 2010) - The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) today blasted the decision by Spirit Airlines to impose more fees on its customers for carry-on luggage. AAPR contends that Spirit Airlines' asking its passengers to pay additional fees for checked luggage, as well as carry-on luggage now, smacks of an industry that is increasingly out of touch with its shrinking consumer base. [DOC | PDF] Boston Herald: Spirit takes leap, charges $45 for carry-on bags FOXNews.com: Airfare Is Cheaper Now...But Cheap Comes at a Heavy Cost Houston Chronicle: As fees multiply, fliers alter course USA Today: Spirit Airlines to charge a $20-$45 fee for carry-on bags WCSH6: Spirit Airlines begins charging for carry-on bags

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Urges Congress to Reconcile Legislation on FAA Reauthorization & Passenger Bill of Rights; Law aims to improve air travel and protect passengers rights WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 25, 2010) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) today urged the Congress to act quickly to approve the FAA Reauthorization Act, which has now been approved by both the United States House of Representative and United States Senate. The far-reaching legislation, among other things, would replace antiquated air traffic control technology, improve safety measures and codify the long-awaited passenger rights provisions. [DOC | PDF]

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Calls on DOT to Improve Accessibility for In-Flight Entertainment; Requirement would Uphold Spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Air Carrier Access Act WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 24, 2010) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) today called on the U.S. Department of Transportation to require commercial air carriers to provide closed-caption or subtitles on all in-flight entertainment for the deaf and hard-of-hearing passengers. While DOT requires that captioning be available on all safety and information related videos, it does not enforce the same accessibility standard for in-flight entertainment, such as movies and television shows. [DOC | PDF] Download National Sign-On Letter Sent to DOT Secretary Ray LaHood AudioDescription.com: Americans seek accessible flight entertainment COAT: Airline Passenger Rights Group Presses For Accessible Flight Entertainment eTurboNews: Deaf and hard of hearing ask for captioning on airline inflight entertainment Deaf Network of Texas: Deaf and hard of hearing ask for captioning on airline inflight entertainment

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Applauds DOT Regulation Implementing the Passenger Bill of Rights; New Rule Limits Time Airlines Can Hold Delayed Passengers to 3-Hours WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 21, 2009) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) today praised the Obama Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s decision to limit the amount of time airline passengers can be stranded on the tarmac. The new regulation implements key provisions of the Passenger Bill of Rights – and now will allow stranded passengers to deplane after three hours on the tarmac. [DOC | PDF] Dallas Morning News: DOT sets rules on tarmac delays

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Praises Hefty Fines Levied on Continental, Express Jet and Mesaba Airlines for Overnight Tarmac Delay WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 24, 2009) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) today praised the U.S. Department of Transportation’s decision to levy hefty fines against three air carriers for the August incident involving an excessive tarmac delay in Rochester, Minnesota. On August 6th, beleaguered passengers were stranded on the plane overnight with limited food and water, or access to bathroom facilities for over six hours. [DOC | PDF] Dallas Morning News: What others had to say in DOT fine case 830 WCCO News Radio: Airlines Fined for Rochester Flight

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Supports Sen. Schumer's Call for Investigation into Airline Frequent Flier Programs WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 23, 2009) - The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) today announced that it supports a federal review into complaints by airline consumers about lost frequent flier miles. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) called for the probe on Sunday. [DOC | PDF] USA Today: It's time to probe frequent-flier accounts, senator says Sen. Schumer press release: It's time to probe frequent-flier accounts, senator says

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Endorses Petition for Wheelchair Accessibility on Airplanes WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 21, 2009) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) today endorsed a petition being circulated by Sally O'Neill, a 17-year old girl with cerebral palsy, calling on the airline industry to comply with the mandates of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. The petition calls on the airline industry to modify the first seat in the first row to allow passengers with disabilities using wheelchairs to remain in their wheelchairs during flight. [DOC | PDF] eTurboNews.com: Seventeen-year-old girl petitions airlines for wheelchair accessibility SATH.org: Association for Airline Passenger Rights Endorses Petition for Wheelchair Accessibility on Airplanes

AAPR Blasts United Airlines Decision to Discriminate Against People of Size; New Policy Charges Overweight Passengers for Two Tickets WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 17, 2009) – The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) today blasted the decision by United Airlines to violate the Civil Rights of people of size by charging them for two tickets if they are deemed to be overweight. United Airlines announced that its ticket agents will begin denying boarding passes to people of size if they are "unable to comfortably fasten a safety belt with one extension or sit comfortably with armrests down," unless they purchase a second ticket. [DOC | PDF] Watch CNN news clip with Brandon Macsata. Watch CNN news interview with Kate Harding. Ethics Soup: United's "Unfriendly Skies" : Airline Charges Fat Passengers Double AJAX WORLD Magazine: “AAPR Blasts United Airlines Decision to Discriminate Against People of Size” eTurbonews.com: “AAPR Blasts United Airlines Decision to Discriminate Against People of Size” Gadling.com: “United airlines "fat passenger" policy prompts plenty of backlash” Market Watch: “AAPR Blasts United Airlines Decision to Discriminate Against People of Size” Reuters: “AAPR Blasts United Airlines Decision to Discriminate Against People of Size”

AAPR Applauds President's FAA Administrator Nominee J. Randolph "Randy" Babbitt WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 1, 2009) - The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) today applauded President Barack Obama's choice of J. Randolph "Randy" Babbitt as Administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Read more. [DOC | PDF]

Association for Airline Passenger Rights Applauds FAA Reauthorization Act; Legislation Includes Important Consumer Rights Protections WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 12, 2009) - The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) today applauded federal legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its inclusion of consumer rights protections. The legislation (H.R.915) was introduced by Representatives James Oberstar (D-MN), Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Jerry Costello (D-IL), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Aviation. Read more. [DOC | PDF]

New Consumer Rights Group Focuses on Air Travel; Association for Airline Passenger Rights Aims to Improve Industry WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 28, 2009) – Domestic airline passengers today took a giant step toward improving the airline industry in the United States. The Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) flew onto the national stage aiming to change the nature of domestic air travel by improving customer service and pursuing a federal “Passenger Bill of Rights” in the United States Congress. [DOC | PDF] CheapFlights.com: “New Consumer Group Pushes for ‘Passenger Bill of Rights” Dallas Morning News: “New group formed to push for airline passenger rights” Earth Times: “New Consumer Rights Group Focuses on Air Travel” Hotel News Resource: “New Consumer Rights Group Focuses on Air Travel” Innovative Analysis Group: “Continental will set you free” Smart Brief: “New group to lobby for passenger rights” TIME: “Sky-High Fees for Overweight Bags” Travel Agent Central: “New Consumer Rights Group Focuses on Air Travel” WFAA.com: “New group formed to push for airline passenger rights”