FAA Computer Meltdown makes obvious need for Congress to Pass FAA Reauthorization Bill!

Flyersrights.org (CAPBOR) Statement on FAA Computer Meltdown Resulting in Massive Flight DelaysAugust 26, 2008 Napa, California – The Coalition for an Airline Passenger Bill of Rights today issued the following statement following news reports that airports across the country were experiencing massive flight delays as a result of an FAA computer glitch that resulted in problems accepting flight plan data:“This is the second time in less than two years that we have seen a massive computer failure that has grounded thousands of flights across the country. Ensuring that passengers are kept flying safely and efficiently should be one of our nation’s top priorities – how many times do we have to see these type of total system break-downs before our government steps in to do something?” Kate Hanni, Flyersrights.org exec. Dir. said.“Congress has made great strides in coming up with an FAA reauthorization bill that would upgrade this antiquated technology and ensure passengers basic rights, but now we need to finish the job, before financing expires on September 30th and we have to start all over from scratch. We urge lawmakers to pass this important legislation and ensure that passengers everywhere have access to basic rights and recourses when traveling,” said Hanni.“This most recent failure of the FAA Computer System has effected every flight and every airport in the Country today; obviates the need for Congress to stop ‘Kicking the Can down the road and pass the FAA Modernization Bill now before Congress.” The FAA reauthorization bill has already been delayed one year and Congress still has not finished the job through the Senate. Will it take a catastrophic event before Congress shores up our infrastructure in a meaningful way?”Flyersrights.org/CAPBOR is standing by to help passengers in need who are grounded, stranded or experiencing delays across the country – passengers can call the 24-hour hotline at 1(877)FLYERS6 (1-877-359-3776) to get information about flight tracking, rescheduling flight or any other information related to flight delays.The Coalition has 24,000 members . We are joined by Consumer’s Union, Public Citizen, Consumer Federation of America, USPirg, NSL, ACAP, IAM AND NATCA.