- November 2009
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Current Events
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DOT warns airlines on noncompliant lost-baggage policies
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations require that airlines cover all expenses caused by lost or delayed baggage up to USD $3,300 per passenger on domestic flights. DOT Secretary Ray LaHood recently stated, “We expect airlines to comply with all of our regulations and will take enforcement action if they do not.”
A number of carriers have policies that limit lost-baggage compensation, including reimbursing passengers for necessities purchased only if they do so more than 24 hours after arrival, and limiting reimbursements to outbound trips, according to DOT’s Aviation Enforcement Office. Airlines were told to review handouts and contracts to assure they are in compliance with DOT regulations, and that enforcement action will be taken for noncompliance.
Sources: atwonline.com, consumeraffairs.com
EPA cracks down on airline tap water
After analyzing drinking water on 327 airliners in 2004, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that 15 percent tested positive for the presence of coliform bacteria, which are usually not harmful but an indicator of the presence of disease-causing germs. Last month, the EPA issued final rules regarding aircraft tap water. Airlines must now routinely monitor, disinfect and flush water in order to meet quality standards. They will have up to two years to comply with the new rules.
What should travelers do?
Today, the EPA suggests that passengers with suppressed immune systems or other concerns may wish to request bottled water or canned beverages while on the aircraft and refrain from drinking tea or coffee not made with bottled water. Travelers who do not have a suppressed immune system, but are still concerned about water quality, should avoid drinking any water from the airplane's water system, including coffee or tea prepared on board.
Detailed information regarding the EPA “Aircraft drinking water rule” can be found at www.epa.gov/ogwdw/airlinewater/regs.html.
Sources: USA Today, Bloomberg.com, scrippsnews.com, epa.gov
