Wrapping Up 2013  Tuesday, December 31, 2013 As 2013 draws to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect on the outgoing year and look back at some of the highlights.   FlyersRights had an outstanding year, and here are some of the most important articles and air travel events.   The Airline Passenger Bill Of Rights   Our new groundbreaking Airline Passengers' Bill of Rights was published this month, an update to our successful 2007 and 2011 versions.   Paul Hudson, FlyersRights' president, traveled to Washington and called upon the Department of Transportation and Congress to pass new legislation to further protect airline passenger rights.     The newly requested provisions include minimal standards for seat space and leg room, the right to carry on at least one piece of baggage without being subject to onerous fees, and further safeguards to the rights for food, water and access to toilet facilities on any flight lasting more than two hours.     Also, it would make it illegal for airlines to use "force majeure" (Acts of God) as an excuse to negate contract carriage agreements beyond what the law currently allows.   Keeping Knives out of Airline Cabins    In June, FlyersRightscelebrated the success of its campaign to keep knives off planes along with the 90,000-strong Coalition of Flight Attendant Unions, law enforcement, gate agents and passengers. We commend TSA for holding the line against weapons on flights.    Petitioning for 787 Dreamliner Safety Review FlyersRights asked the question: has the FAA given too much power to the aircraft manufacturers?  Boeing's 787 multiple incidents and operational problems uncovered a very cozy relationship between Boeing and the FAA.   Only FlyersRights was out front and center criticizing this laissez 'FAA'irearrangement, where safety took a back seat.   Merger of American with USAirways    Back in August, FlyersRights saidPerge the Merge and applauded the Department of Justice (DOJ) for halting the $12 billion merger between American Airlines and USAirways as a victory for airline passengers.  But the airlines' massive lobbying effort, including a 'fly-in' campaign, meant passengers could not win.   FlyersRights caught the DOJ lying to the public, repeatedly. The American Antitrust Institute also questioned the 'efficiencies' claimed by the airlines and agreed with us that the merger would drive up prices and damage service.  This is how a 2004  LA Times article described US Airways:   Wasteful Airline Bailouts After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, it took only a few days for Congress and the Bush administration to whip out the federal checkbook with a $15-billion bailout for U.S. air carriers.  With its second bankruptcy filing in two years, US Airways is like a drowning swimmer who keeps bobbing back to the surface. The struggling carrier got a nice chunk of that federal bailout money after emerging from Chapter 11 the first time around, winning a $900-million loan guarantee. It's possible that this time the airline will be able to keep its head above water, but more likely it's heading for the bottom and taking loads of public money with it. Both AA and US Airways were gifted large sums of the $15 billion post 9/11 taxpayer fund government giveaway and both have continued to operate fast and loose in their business practices. Yet the government saw no reason to prevent this merger.  Another example of who pulls the strings in Washington, and it sure ain't the will of the people. Too big to fail airlines!   New, Enhanced Leadership at FlyersRights   The legendary aviation advocate, Paul Hudson, took over the reins from Kate Hanni as president of FlyersRights in January this year. Mr. Hudson was formerly the Executive Director for the Aviation Consumer Action Project (ACAP).  He was also the former president and founder of the Pan Am 103 Victims Family Organization, a delegate on the FAA Advisory Committee for Safety Rule-making, and has been a public interest lawyer since 1974.   Mr. Hudson's 16-year old daughter Melina died on Pan Am 103. Dr. Joel Smiler, FlyersRights' long-time Hotline Director, also joined the boardearlier this year.     He is a graduate of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Smiler was in partnership and management of the North Hills Veterinary Hospital in Rochester, Michigan. He is also the president of Rex Point Kennels, Inc., a large suburban pet boarding facility. Dr. Smiler is an accomplished practitioner and enjoys many areas of veterinary medicine, most notably behavior and dermatology. Ed Mierzwinski is also joined the FlyersRights Board of Directors.  He is the Federal Consumer Program Director and Senior Fellow for U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG). Mr. Mierzwinski often testifies before Congress, state legislatures and has written numerous reports on consumer issues, including airline passenger rights.  He appears frequently on television and radio shows and is regularly quoted in major newspapers.  Kendall Creighton joined the board this year and is also theFlyersRights newsletter writer. Ms. Creighton is a long-time political activist and previous Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) staffer in Washington. She also worked in the Clinton White House, Office of Environmental Policy. The DCCC later sent her to Montgomery, Alabama to support Democratic candidates in the South. As a frequent flyer, the fee games and TSA hassles spurred her reach out to Kate Hanni and join FlyersRights. Quote of the Week! I've been a police department volunteer for nearly 16 years and the following is what constitutes a legitimate law enforcement pat down:  Order of Systematic Search Front waistband Front pocket Chest Side Shoulders/sleeves Back Small of back Back waistband Back pocket Pat down from bottom to top then legs Anything beyond this is illegal. (Thank you to Leigh) Kate Hanni, founder of FlyersRights Paul Hudson, president of FlyersRights Today is the Tax Deduction Deadline: December 31.    Please consider an end of the year tax write-off donation to our 501(c)3. FlyersRights depends on tax-deductible contributions from those who share our commitment to airline passenger rights.  You can give appreciated stock for an extra tax deduction benefit.  You will be sent the latest FlyersRights publications and newsletters.  You aren't merely supporting our mission, you become a part of FlyersRights.    Thank you.      FlyersRights  4411 Bee Ridge Road  Sarasota, FL 34233

A Look Back at Airline Security (and Forward)   Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Last Saturday marked the 25th anniversary of one of the worst air disasters  in history, the bombing of Pan Am flight 103 en route from London to JFK. This terrorist bombing has a legacy we carry with us to this day; tighter controls on bag transfers, baggage matching to passengers on board and if there's no match, the bag comes off.  video via CBSNews Even though there were several major terrorism attacks and acts against USA airliners before Pan Am 103 (especially to TWA), it got the attention of America to get vigilant on terrorism against airliners. FlyersRights' president, Paul Hudson, was interviewed by CBS News on the tragedy. There were several memorial services held last weekend, in New York City, in Westminster Abbey, London, Arlington National Cemetery near Washington DC, at Syracuse University (where a number of those killed were attending school exchange programs), Detroit and at Lockerbie itself. To this day we keep this flight in mind and hope that nothing like this ever happens again. Rest in peace to all the passengers, crew and innocent civilians who lost their lives and all others affected by this cruel loss.

PAT-DOWNS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! Big Brother tells kids: TSA 'isn't scary' The Transportation Security Agency has released a ridiculous cartoon that has been roundly panned in the blogosphere.  Its sole purpose appears to be a means of indoctrinating young children to comply with heavy-handed government edicts and instructions. TSA Kids is the latest misguided effort from the Dept. of Homeland Security. It pretends to be an educational tool but it borders on self-parody.     Yes, the US government has made a cartoon with dogs to teach children about the post-9/11 security regime. It's unknown how many tax-dollars were spent on this latest venture to improve TSA's image. The video casts the travelers and TSA agents as cute characters and show how fun it is to go through a checkpoint.  (Source: TSA Blog) The children are taught the phrase, "Stop, Screen and Go!" as their persons,papers, and effects are searched. One might wonder why the video avoids mentioning the manual pat-downs which travelers frequently endure.     Anyone who is even vaguely familiar with the multitude of horror stories involving the TSA will come to the conclusion that the cartoon scenario is not just sugar coated but a complete fairytale. Unsurprisingly, comments for this YouTube video have been disabled.  Stop.  Scream.  Cavity search.  Go.  Your government at work.  Is this progress?

An Israeli Security Expert   On Why TSA is All Wrong   A security expert's advice has gone viral on why US airport security is so ineffectual. You won't know whether to laugh or cry.  Here's Rafi Sela, former chief of security at Tel Aviv - Ben Gurion Airport with seven reasons why the TSA is so awful.   It's a fascinating study about a system that is entirely bogged down by corruption, incompetence, petty political squabbling and blatant graft. Hey, when the Israelis give you advice about airport security, you listen.

The virtues of upselling US Airlines Raked in $4.7 Billion in Baggage and Change Fees During the First 9 Months of 2013  Delta passengers wait to check bags at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. James Emery / Flickr US airlines made $4.7 billion from checked baggage and reservation change fees in the first three quarters of 2013, according to the DOT Bureau of Transportation Statistics. For the fourth year, Delta Air Lines is on track to beat out all other US airlines in checked baggage and change fees, taking home $1.3 billion in revenues.     Read More: The Skift

Make a Year-End Gift to FlyersRights   FlyersRights depends on tax-deductible contributions from those who share our commitment to airline passenger rights.  You can give appreciated stock for an extra tax deduction benefit.  You will be sent the latest FlyersRightspublications and newsletters.  You aren't merely supporting our mission, you become a part of FlyersRights. While DC is shut down, Congress is gone on vacation (after doubling security fees) and the President is in Hawaii til early next year, FlyersRights is on duty! Last week we presented the Bill of Rights in final form to the DOT and FAA, and handled Hotline calls from passengers without missing a beat!     More volunteers are desperately needed for the Passenger Bill of Rightsadvocacy - to make Congress sit up and listen.        Kate Hanni, founder ofFlyersRights Paul Hudson, president ofFlyersRights

We welcome your thoughts and opinions. Email your letters to: Kendallc@FlyersRights.org

Pan Am Flight 103 25th Anniversary

Pan Am Flight 103 25th Anniversary    FlyersRights Demands "Passenger Bill of Rights" at 2 Events All I Want For Christmas is a Ban On In-Flight Phone Calls Tuesday, December 17, 2013

One of the deadliest terrorist strikes on American civilians, the Lockerbie bombing, is being marked at home and abroad by politicians and officials 25 years after the atrocity that killed 270 people.   This widely regarded assault on a symbol of the United States, with 189 of the victims being Americans, stood as the most significant attack against America until September 11, 2001.  Memorial services will be held this week at Arlington National Cemetary and in Lockerbie, Scotland. CBS news is doing a special with Peter Greenberg and will interview Paul Hudson, FlyersRights president. Points to keep in mind for all airline passengers is that aviation terrorism is the most deadly form yet carried out. Over 4,000 have died, including nearly 300 in 1989 and nearly 3,000 in 2001. This is more than all airliner accident deaths in history. In Lockerbie alone, more Americans died than in the 1990 Gulf War.  Weak aviation security allowed 19 al Qaeda terrorists to hijack 4 US airliners on 9/11/01 killing all on board and thousands in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Terrorists often attempt attacks on anniversaries and Certain holidays. The shoe bomber attempted to blow up a U.S. bound airliner on 12/21. Developing threats include shoulder fired missiles now in the hands of  some factions in Syria, Libya and perhaps other locations.  These devastating weapons can easily bring down airliners and pose a significant threat to aviation security.    Passengers' rights to avoid unreasonable or invasive security at airports must be balanced against rights to safe and secure travel. Otherwise the tragic history of aviation terrorism that started with Pan Am 103 and culminated with 9/11 is likely to be repeated.   To mark the 25th anniversary of those lost on Pan Am 103, there are five services planned in the US and the UK on Saturday, December 21, 2013. (please note that all times listed are local times). Syracuse University - 2:03 PM in Hendricks ChapelArlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA - 1:30 PM at the Pan Am Cairn Westminster Abbey, London, England - 6:45 PM Lockerbie, Scotland - 2 PM at the Dryfesdale Cemetery/6:30 PM at the Dryfesdale Church SU's Lubin House, 11 East 61st Street, New York, NY 10065 - 1:30-3:30 PM (please note, due to space limitations, you must RSVP to attend this event; contact Scott Austin at scott.austin.sca@gmail.com)

FOR RELEASE December 16, 2013    AIRLINE PASSENGERS GROUP TO FEDS:  "WE HAVE RIGHTS !!!"   FlyersRights.org Will Demand  A "Passengers' Bill Of Rights" At Two Events   WASHINGTON, D.C. - The nation's largest consumer organization representing airline passengers, FlyersRights.org, will demand that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recognize an "Airline Passengers Bill of Rights" at two events this week: A hearing of the DOT'S Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protection on MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2013 at approximately 2:00 PM EDT in the Oklahoma City Room of the DOT West Building Headquarters, 1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E., Washington (Seating Requests must be made TODAY, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13). A meeting of the Federal Aviation Administration Rulemaking Advisory Committee on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013 at 1:00 PM EDT at Room 1010, FAA Headquarters Building, 800 Independence Ave., SW, Washington. Supported with a specific, 33-point plan, FlyersRights.org President Paul Hudson will unveil an Airline Passengers Bill of Rights that will include: 1. THE RIGHT to a ticket we can understand and rely on, with no hidden fees, at a fair price. 2. THE RIGHT to be treated well when our flight is canceled or delayed, with reasonable access to available flights on other airlines and advance notice, a refund and compensation when it's the airline's fault. 3. THE RIGHT to airline honesty when it comes to the status of our flights and the reasons for delays and cancellations. 4. THE RIGHT to a safe aircraft and a well-trained, well-rested crew. 5. THE RIGHT to get off the tarmac within three hours at the most. 6. THE RIGHT to have our luggage arrive when we do - or to compensation if it doesn't. 7. THE RIGHT to be treated like human beings onboard aircraft, with food and drink and seats and legroom that are safe and comfortable. 8. THE RIGHT to retain basic constitutional rights of privacy, free speech, travel, due process of law, freedom from unreasonable search and seizure when we enter an airport or board an aircraft. Mr. Hudson noted, "It has been 35 years since airlines were deregulated as to fares, routes, schedules and services. We are calling on Congress, President Obama and DOT Secretary Foxx to review the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 to correct the consumer abuses, unfair or deceptive practices and inefficiencies that have infested and degraded the nation's air transportation system."

All I want for Christmas is a ban on in-flight phone calls Outrage and pushback is the reaction over the proposal by the F.C.C. to loosen the rules against cellphone conversations in-flight.    In a surprise announcement last week, the Transportation Department (DOT) said that passengers and the airline industry are overwhelmingly against such cellphone use, and will consider banning in-flight voice calls.  Airlines fear cellphone use in planes would anger flyers, disrupt flights and burden airline staff who might have to settle disagreements that erupt over passenger phone calls. Southwest Airlines, Virgin America and Delta Air Lines all have said they almost certainly won't allow flyers to make in-flight calls, regardless of the rules. United and JetBlue have said they would study their policies if the rules change. JetBlue even said it would consider a special section of the cabin for fliers who want to make calls.    Still, consumers are likely to soon be able to text, check email and connect to the Internet on their cellphones while their flight is above 10,000 feet. The FCC and DOT will gather public comments in a separate rule-making before acting on a final proposal that isn't expected for several months.   Special to FlyersRights Founder of FlyersRights Kate Hanni's husband, Tim, is a prominent wine expert in Napa Valley and North America's First Master of Wine.   He has a new book out that's making a splash in the wine industry and beyond, "Why You Like The Wines You Like."  Order signed copies before December 18th and you will get them in plenty of time for Christmas! Tim will sign copies and donate 10% of the proceeds from all of his sales for the month of December to FlyersRights!   A great holiday gift for the wine lover and for anyone interested in a fascinating look at sensory perception and human behaviors.  This makes a perfect gift for anyone who enjoys wine at any level - especially interesting for sweet wine lovers and also a way to give a gift to the "overzealous" wine aficionado (dare we say wine snob?) in your life! · Single signed copies are $28.00 and this includes priority shipping. shop.napaseasoning.com · 5 signed copies are $115.00, including priority mail shipping. shop.napaseasoning.com · Single, unsigned copies can be purchased directly from Amazon.com for $22.50 with whatever shipping Amazon charges. amazon.com    Also, why not pick up some fine wines from our Napa Valley wine shop for your holiday table! Recent book reviews: Chicago Tribune The Napa Valley Register The Mercury News The Amazing Race   Kate Hanni, who gave six years of her life to airline passengers rights and her husband Tim Hanni, Master of Wine have been asked to present an audition tape and application to "The Amazing Race".   If they win the $1,000,000 prize they will give a handsome donation to FlyersRights which would help secure us into the future.  Kate and Tim are recent empty-nesters and they really want to get chosen to compete in the Amazing Race. Please watch the video and have your friends watch it and "like" it with a thumbs up to show the producers that they have the public's support to be on the show!

Kate Hanni, founder of FlyersRights Paul Hudson, president of FlyersRights Don't Miss Out on a Tax Deduction Deadline: December 31   Please consider an "end of the year" tax write-off donation to our 501(c)3!  Founded by Kate Hanni in 2007, FlyersRights  is funded completely through donations and our Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) charity, to which contributions are tax deductible.   Thank you.