He filed an Airline Passenger Fairness Act to force airlines to clean up their acts, then held a dramatic hearing to spotlight tales of marooned, bumped and otherwise mistreated travelers. The issue was so hot that several senators began sharing their own airline horror stories. McCain replaced his bill with a much weaker version that simply encourages airlines to follow their own plans, and his committee overwhelmingly approved the substitute. But there are few more vivid illustrations of his argument about dirty appearances than this spring's furor over passenger rights. But the fact is, the system tars all of us. . . .
Appearances definitely count.
The report does not accuse anyone of specific wrongdoing. It simply suggests that on Capitol Hill, money usually talks. The airlines gave generously, and they gave at the right time. It's no accident that they got first-class treatment. Then again, McCain readily concedes that no matter how strong their arguments against federal mandates may have been, the airlines probably expected more than good government for their money.