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FAA Introduces New Rules For Airlines

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The federal government is going to bat for airline passengers.

Kai Jackson explains the Department of Transportation is extending its passenger bill of rights.

You got bumped off a flight, you had to sit on the runway for hours and that bag you had to pay extra for got lost.

"Oh, it's horrible," said one passenger.

"I just feel it's ludicrous.  It's awful," said another.

But changes are coming.  Under new federal guidelines, the airline must not only pay for the contents but also pay you back the baggage fees for any lost luggage.  If you get bumped off your flight, the airline will have to pay you up to $1,300.

The airlines will also pay a price for leaving passengers stuck on a plane.  If travelers sit on the tarmac for more than three hours on a domestic flight or four hours on an international flight, the airlines face bigger fines.  And there won't be expensive surprises at the airport or on the plane.

"Whether it's the tax, whether it's the fact that if you want to use a pillow or a blanket, they disclose that.  If you want to eat on the plane, they disclose that," said Ray LaHood, Transportation Secretary.

Airlines will also have to tell passengers of any delays longer than 30 minutes and do more to inform you of cancellations, both at the airport and online.

The expanded passenger bill of rights takes effect in August, right at the peak of summer travel.

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