Air Travel in the U.S. This Summer Has Been a Mess, but Relief Is Coming

Recently, government officials took a significant step towards addressing many of the ongoing air travel issues.

On July 20, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the next five years. If it passes, this updated legislation aims to enhance “the safety of our system, our airport infrastructure, and the quality of service for passengers,” according to Sam Graves, chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which introduced the bill on June 9. The bill is now headed to the Senate, awaiting approval by September, coinciding with the expiration of the FAA’s current authorization.

Key Insights on the FAA Reauthorization Bill for Travelers

For those flying, several key points from the FAA reauthorization bill promise to significantly enhance the air travel experience. Here’s what travelers should keep an eye on.

Growing the Aviation Workforce

Air travelers are increasingly aware that the aviation industry has faced significant challenges in the wake of the pandemic, particularly due to shortages of pilots and air traffic controllers. The U.S. Travel Association reports that the U.S. aviation system has 1,200 fewer air traffic controllers than it did ten years ago, largely due to “years of federal underinvestment.”

These critical shortages often lead to airlines and airports being unable to fully and timely execute their flight schedules. This is a key factor behind the many cancellations and delays that have recently affected the industry, further complicated by weather-related issues.

The proposed legislation aims to tackle these issues by “eliminating obstacles to aviation careers, expanding the workforce pipeline, and enhancing training standards,” according to a statement from the Transportation Committee.

Improved Airports

U.S. airports often receive criticism compared to their global peers. While half of the world's ten busiest airports are located in the United States, only one—Seattle—makes it into the top 20 of the world's best airport rankings, as highlighted by the U.S. Travel Association.

To better compete internationally and enhance the travel experience from the start—at the airport—the FAA reauthorization bill “allocates more funding for airport infrastructure grants and directs a greater portion to medium and large hubs,” according to U.S. Travel.

Enhancing the Passenger Experience

The journey to recover air travel has been challenging for customer experience in recent years. The bill’s creators assure that it “introduces reforms aimed at improving the traveling public’s experience,” which includes:

• A stronger framework for passenger refunds and reimbursements for flight cancellations and delays—airlines will be required to provide a document outlining passenger rights and compensation options for delays, cancellations, and disruptions (including rebooking, refunds, meals, and accommodations)
• Guaranteeing that airlines and online travel agencies (OTAs) display clear airfare pricing that incorporates government taxes and fees, showing the total fare upfront
• A straightforward method for air travelers to file complaints on the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection’s website regarding service issues
• The Secretary of Transportation will be tasked with developing an “Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights,” ensuring that individuals with disabilities are “treated with dignity and respect,” according to the bill, and receive timely support, can travel with wheelchairs, and have access to announcements in an accessible format, among other assurances

The takeaway: “More than half of Americans indicate they would travel more for leisure if the travel experience were smoother,” according to U.S. Travel.

Investing in Safety and Innovation in Air Travel

“While America’s aviation system is safe, it is not immune to pressure and needs ongoing improvements,” state the bill’s authors. In light of the recent surge in runway near misses, they noted that the FAA reauthorization bill “tackles several safety concerns, including the rise in runway incursions.”

As the air travel industry navigates a changing climate, facing challenges from unpredictable weather and the potential for developing new emission-reducing technologies, the FAA reauthorization bill seeks to promote innovation and advancements in the aviation sector.