Trade, Transportation Depts. sign Air Passenger Bill of Rights

The Air Passenger Bill of Rights was signed by Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo and Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya on Monday, assuring travelers of protection against unfair policies and practices of airline companies, the Department of Trade said Tuesday.

 

The Bill of Rights, or DOTC/DTI Joint Administrative Order No. 1, Series of 2012 will take effect Friday next week, Dec. 21 or 10 days after its publication in major dailies. 

 

The timing is just right for the influx of air passengers during the the Christmas and New Year holidays, according to the Department of Transportation and Communications.

 

The joint order was approved on Dec. 3, after three public hearings held by the two departments. 

 

Stakeholders, including airline representatives, consumer groups and other concerned citizens presented their comments and suggestions in developing the regulation.

 

Public consultations also involved the Tourism Department and the offices of several senators and congressmen.

 

With the Air Passenger Bill of Rights in place, airline companies are obliged to compensate passengers and provide them with amenities – refreshments or meals, hotel accommodations, transportation to and from the airport, and communication – in case flights are canceled or delayed.

 

The regulation also covers passengers' right to accurate information, right to receive full value of the service they bought, right to compensation in cases of delay, cancellation, and delayed, lost or damaged baggage. — VS, GMA News