U.S. Aviation Act: more control and fewer fees

20-05-24

The new aviation law in the United States, backed by a budget of almost 97 billion euros, marks a milestone in airport regulation. Its objectives include strengthening controller staffing and streamlining refunds for canceled flights, as well as a close look at aircraft production by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the fees imposed by airlines, such as those related to family seating. Meanwhile, the European Union continues to evaluate the latter.

Joe Biden's administration has taken swift action, perhaps prompted by the approaching elections, announcing a new aviation and safety law that intensifies oversight over airlines. The measure, with a budget of $105 billion (about €97 billion), will last for five years, Reuters reports.

The new U.S. law specifically prohibits airlines from charging families to sit together, a contested practice that has been the subject of an investigation by the European Parliament following a complaint by a Spanish citizen. This legislation also establishes that, within six months, a regulation will be enacted that prohibits airlines from charging for placing children under 14 years of age next to an accompanying adult.

In addition, the new law streamlines refunds for canceled flights and increases the maximum civil penalties for airline violations against consumers from $25,000 to $70,000.

The bill also addresses the shortage of air traffic controllers, urging the FAA to improve staffing standards and hire more inspectors, engineers and technical specialists. In response to recent incidents involving various Boeing models, such as the Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX earlier this year, the law aims to exert greater control over aircraft production. The FAA is expected to make a decision within 60 days on imposing minimum aircraft seat dimensions for safety reasons.