This is great news for travellers

After months of debate over the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill, and at an apparent impasse over privatizing air traffic control, Congress has settled on a compromise — with some unexpected benefits for the average air traveler.

www.faa.gov

The House and Senate have agreed on an extension that would fund the agency at current levels through September 2017.

Among other things;

- it would also require airlines to seat families with children together without charging them more

-accelerate the security screening process

-and issue prompt refunds for baggage fees when luggage is lost for more than 12 hours.

The legislation surprised consumer advocates, who had expected a far less ambitious extension bill.

“This is an amazing win for consumers,” said Charles Leocha, president of Travelers United, a Washington nonprofit organization that advocates for airline passengers. “It is not everything we wanted, but it is far more than consumers would have gotten with a straight extension.