Stevens Remains Out of Touch With Alaskan Families - Votes Against Airline Passengers' Bill of Rights

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, May 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This week, Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) claimed to stand up to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the Senate Commerce Committee by trying to save consumers 50 cents rather than implementing security measures. However, last week Stevens and the Republicans in the Senate blocked the Federal Airline Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Bill, which included the provision to give airline travelers additional rights.

Today, Mayor and U.S. Senate Candidate Mark Begich announced support for the bipartisan Airline Passengers' Bill of Rights. Sponsored by Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME), the legislation would protect airline passengers from becoming unnecessarily trapped on airplanes or deprived of food, water, sanitary restroom facilities, and access to medical attention.

"Alaskan families would rather their elected official's fight for their rights and safety than save 50 cents," Mark Begich said. "When a flight is delayed on the ground, passengers should be given options and information, and not be treated like cattle."

"We, the Coalition for an Airline Passengers Bill of Rights, were stunned that Senator Stevens voted against airline passengers rights last week," said Kate Hanni, the Executive Director. "When I was trapped for more than 9 hours on the tarmac in our plane, and it didn't matter which side of the aisle you were on - the toilets smelled the same on both sides. Mark Begich as Senator would be a great proponent of the issue, not partisan politics, and we appreciate his support for the airline passengers' bill of rights. "

    The Airline Passengers' Bill of Rights would require:
    -- Airlines to offer passengers the option of safely leaving a plane they
       have boarded once that plane has sat on the ground three hours after
       the plane door has closed. This option would be provided every three
       hours that the plane continues to sit on the ground.
    -- Airlines to provide passengers with necessary services such as food,
       potable water and adequate restroom facilities while a plane is delayed

       on the ground.