In the News

Jumping on outrage at United Airlines, U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn is filing legislation that would prevent airlines from bumping passengers off over-booked flights if the passenger has already boarded.

“Passengers should have the peace of mind to know they will not be dragged off a plane once they’re in their seat,” the Panama City Republican said in a news release.

“Americans everywhere were shocked at the treatment of the passenger in Chicago. The SEAT Act will require airlines to sort out over-booking before allowing passengers to board the airplane.”

United has already said it will discontinue the practice to make room for crew members, as was the case in Chicago.

From a Dunn news release:

The Secure Equity in Airline Transportation (SEAT) Act, requires the Secretary of Transportation to revise federal rules governing how airlines treat travelers with confirmed tickets on over-booked flights. Under the SEAT Act, airlines cannot involuntarily remove a person from their seat on an over-booked flight simply to make room for another passenger – airline employee or otherwise.

The SEAT Act does not impede any airlines’ internal review or conflict with recently announced policy changes, including those that prevent flight crews from displacing seated passengers and restrict employees from using law enforcement to remove passengers. Further, the legislation is tailored to ensure that law enforcement can act to remove a passenger when he or she is a threat to the safety of others.