US: Congress backs FAA measure but with few new traveller protections

Congress approved legislation Wednesday that reauthorizes the FAA for 5 years. The legislation bars in-flight cell phone calls as well as the forcible removal of passengers. But perhaps more important is what is not in the bill. There are no new rules on airlines’ fees for reservation changes or bags and there is no move to privatise ATC. Part of the bill requires the FAA to determine within a year the minimum distance between seats by studying how quickly people can safely evacuate different airplane configurations. Most airlines in the US currently put 30 inches of space between rows in economy class, though some no-frills airlines like Spirit put only 28 inches between seats. “If they come up with a minimum seat regulation, that minimum will mirror the minimum in the market today,” said aviation consultant. <br/>