I. Final Rule

The Department of Transportation issued the final rule to improve the air travel environment for consumers on April 21, 2011.

II.  Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRMNotice of Proposed Rulemaking: the official document announcing and explaining the proposed rule)

This document is the official announcement of the proposed rule “Enhancing Airline Passenger Protections.” It explains the agency’s reasoning and gives details about how the public can participate. The NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: the official document announcing and explaining the proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on June 8, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 109). It is also available on regulations.gov.

III. Text of Proposed Rule

DOT’s proposal would amend several existing regulations. In this version, you see the new proposed language.

IV. Clarification to Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

DOT clarification of its notice of proposed rulemaking, “Enhancing Airline Passenger Protections,” which, among other things, solicits comment, without proposing any specific rule text, on three options that would provide greater access to air travel for persons with peanut allergies.

V. Extension of Comment Period on Proposed Rule

This document is the official announcement of DOT’s action to extend the comment period,  for the NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: the official document announcing and explaining the proposed rule on enhancing airline passenger protections,  from August 9, 2010 to September 23, 2010. This extension is a result of requests from a number of airline associations, one airport association, and two airlines.

VI. Other Documents

Preliminary Regulatory Evaluation – May 20, 2010

This regulatory evaluation estimates the economic impact, in terms of benefits and costs, to passengers, U.S. and foreign air carriers and other entities regulated under this proceeding, as required by Executive Order (EO) 12866.

Rule on Enhancing Airline Passenger Protections – December 30, 2009

This rule, which came into effect in April 2010, required certain U.S. air carriers to adopt contingency plans for lengthy tarmac delays; respond to consumer problems; post flight delay information on their websites; and adopt, follow, and audit customer service plans.  The rule currently open for notice and comment builds upon this earlier rule.