Pre-published in MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR on Sunday, July 14, 2013 - with friendly permission of the publisher Marietta Siongco.
Airline passengers will soon get a relief from bad experiences from erring air carriers under a bill creating the Air Passenger Fairness Act of 2013 that seeks to protect the interest of the commuting public.
Re. Marcelino Teodoro (1st District, Marikina City) filed House Bill 36 that aims to ensure that the interest of the public is protected against abuses.
"Air carriers are public utilities exercising public functions. Public functions are powers of national sovereignty which reside in the people and all government authority that emanates from them, "Teodoro said.
He also said, that an airline company as a creature of the State is presumed to exist for the common good and expected not to jeopardize the interest of the public.
"The bill of rights of air passengers is for the people. It is a charter that clearly defines the rights of the passengers, talking to the passengers directly since regulatory measures on air carriers can be a subject of a separate economic regulation or agency resolution, "Teodoro said.
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The air carrier must establish a system wherein the purchaser is fully apprised of the required disclosures, like printing and attaching the ticket and boarding pass; incorporate the terms and conditions of carriage by reference, explaining by the carrier agent in a language understood the purchaser; and posting in their website, or other online accounts.
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Every passenger has the right to a safe flight, a convenient and on-schedule conveyance in accordance with contract of carriage with he air carrier.
The measure guarantees every passenger to have access and use of emergency and safety devices, medical assistance, and proper application of first aid procedures during emergency situations or when his or her health requires.
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Every passenger has the right for a full refund of fares, to rebook a purchased ticket with limited to an administrative fee ONLY, be denied from denied boarding, among others. (PNA).
Well, up, up and away. Have a save and sound flight, guys!
