Northern Nevada lost a total of 17 flights and now residents and visitors to the Reno and Lake Tahoe area are paying higher prices for fewer available flights. Joining Reid at Monday's news conference were Mark Silbergeld of Consumers Union and Burton Rubin with ASTA, the American Society of Travel Agents . This bill would directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue uniform minimum regulations for all carriers regarding the type of medical equipment each flight must carry and the kind of medical training each flight crew should receive. The Federal Courts have split on whether the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 pre-empts state consumer protection and personal injury laws as applied to airlines. The bill would clarify that the 1978 Act does not pre-empt state tort and consumer protection laws.
Travel agencies provide a valuable service to customers looking for the best prices.
The bill requires carriers to provide written 90-day advance statement of reasons before canceling a travel agency's account with the airline, and to give them 60 days to correct the identified deficiencies. The bill will include a new provision requiring the Secretary of Transportation to develop regulations under which the safety, inspection, certification compliance and accident records of the airlines will be made available to any customer upon request. Monopolistic Fares - The Secretary of Transportation is authorized to require reduction in fares that are unreasonably high. If a fare is found to be unreasonably high, the Secretary may order that it be reduced, that the reduced fare be offered for a specified number of seats and that rebates be offered. The measures to encourage competition may include measures relating to the dominant carrier's gates, slots, and other airport facilities, travel agent commissions, frequent flyer programs and corporate discount programs.