Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced new legislation Friday aimed at increasing transparency for airline passengers experiencing delays.
The Frequent Logistics Information for Grounded and Held Travelers Act, or FLIGHT Act, would require airlines to provide mandatory notifications and regular updates to passengers during significant flight disruptions.
Under the proposed bill, airlines operating domestic or international flights would be required to notify passengers of any departure or taxi delay exceeding 15 minutes. Following the initial notification, the airline would then have to provide status updates to each passenger at least every 15 minutes until the delay concludes and the flight is ready for departure.
READ :Scott, Moody Push Army Corps For Full Consideration Of Critical Florida Projects In 2025
These notifications, which must be sent via email or text message, would be required to include updated estimated departure and arrival times. The bill also includes a mechanism for passengers to opt out of receiving these frequent notifications for a specific flight if they choose.
“No American I know has been spared from the inconvenience of a delayed flight,” said Scott. “While sometimes unavoidable and completely understandable, these delays cause frustration and ruined plans that can be costly for passengers who made their plans around times provided by the airlines and are often left in the dark amid endless delays.”
READ: Florida Sen. Scott, Texas Sen. Cruz Push To Undo Military Vaccine Penalties, Right ‘Unjust’ Harm
He described the FLIGHT Act as a “simple solution” to address this issue.
“My new bill, the FLIGHT Act, aims to reduce that frustration by requiring airlines, in the case of flight delays, to provide passengers an update every 15 minutes until their flight is ready for takeoff,” Scott stated. “This is a simple solution to bring transparency for passengers and make traveling a little less annoying for families.”
If enacted, it would amend Title 49 of the United States Code, which governs transportation, to add the new passenger notification requirements related to delayed flights.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
