Congress Passes FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012

The United States Congress passed the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, a piece of legislation that is intended to help make air travel safer and more efficient while at the same time avoiding further tax increases for both customers and airlines

The bill includes a tarmac delay provision that the Department of Transportation will establish rules for covering three hour delays for domestic flights and four hour delays on the tarmac for international flights; a regulation that allows musicians to bring musical instruments on board or checked at no extra charge; a prohibition on smoking; and a requirement for airlines to disclose seat dimensions so parents can bring along suitably-sized infant safety restraints on flights.

The act also establishes the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protection with representatives from airports, airlines, the government, and a consumer advocate.

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