Dem plans air travel reform bill

Rep. Janice Hahn has had enough with the decreased legroom and increased fees on airplanes.

The California Democrat says she will introduce legislation in the coming days to establish a “passenger bill of rights” establishing a standard for travel conditions to address rising complaints about the airline industry. She cited the shrinking legroom, additional seats in each row, and extra fees for snacks or checking luggage.

“Since 9/11, the traveling public has complied graciously and patiently with all the new regulations. But once they board the airplane they’re squeezed at every side,” Hahn said in a Thursday House floor speech.

{mosads}Hahn urged Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx in a letter last week to advocate for more legroom and bigger seats on airplanes in light of a federal corruption probe into United Airlines.

United Airlines CEO Jeff Smisek stepped down from his post earlier this month amid the investigation with a hefty severance package that includes at least $21 million in cash and stocks, as well as free flights.

“It is amazing in this day and age where airlines treat passengers so poorly — shrinking legroom, charging for checking bags and snacks — that the CEO can receive an ‘over the top’ severance package,” Hahn wrote.

“If people cannot receive a free bag of pretzels, at least they can have a more comfortable flying experience,” she added.