The U.S. Senate, in its efforts to reauthorize funding for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has introduced a bill that calls for an accelerated timetable for modernizing the nation's air traffic control system and adds a provision to help passengers stuck on tarmacs across the country.

In 2008, IAPA was involved in a U.S. Department of Transportation Task Force designed to help airlines, airports and other service providers mitigate passenger inconvenience during lengthy ground delays. Though IAPA approved of the resulting recommendations last November, we also expressed concern that the guidelines fell short in detailing what would trigger certain actions. For instance, how long would a delay have to be before a decision is made to return to the gate and allow passengers to deplane? The proposed bill represents the first mandates that are modeled after the recommendations of the Task Force.

According to a report from the Associated Press (AP), the tarmac provision would require planes delayed more than three hours to return to a gate to give passengers the opportunity to get off. The bill would also require airlines to provide passengers with food, potable water, comfortable cabin temperature and ventilation, and adequate restrooms while a plane is delayed on the ground. Passenger rights proponents applaud the proposals. Airlines and airports are not so complimentary. A spokesman for the Air Transport Association which represents the leading airlines in the U.S. called the three-hour tarmac delay limit "a hard and fast inflexible timeframe," warning of unintended consequences, including the likelihood of more cancellations. IAPA had worked with airlines, airports and other service providers during its participation in the Task Force on Tarmac Delays and we understand the challenges that all stakeholders face in terms of providing adequate facilities and resources during long delays. Nonetheless, we see the proposals in the bill as a very positive step that will benefit passengers.

Early this year, IAPA joined the National Alliance to Advance NextGen – a coalition of travel related companies and concerned organizations calling for the implementation of improved technology in the U.S. national airspace system. The bill introduced by the Senate requires the FAA to accelerate plans to switch from a radar-based air traffic control system to one based on GPS technology, according to the AP report. IAPA is pleased that the bill recognizes the need to act now on the necessary fixes to a system plagued with old equipment and inefficient procedures. In short, it's about time.