The House of Representative and Senate are looking at the possibly of requiring airlines to compensate fliers for bags that arrive late among other protections from lengthy delays.  Some of the highlights of the bill are:

• Require airlines to return aircraft to the gate if a flight is delayed more than three hours.
• Enact a criminal penalty for TSA airport security screeners who distribute images created by body scanners.  Currently security does not allow for copying or distributing the images.
• Require a feasibility study for airlines to compensate passengers for bags that arrive late. Since airlines are now charging for checked luggage, the feasibility would look at compensating flier for bags that arrive late.
• Rural flights. The house is looking at federal subsidies to airlines that fly to rural airports that otherwise would not have commercial service.
• Cockpit distractions. Outlaw use of cell phones, laptops and other personal electronic devices by pilots for non-work purposes on the flight deck of an airliner.

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SECURITY

Middle East –Demonstrations continue across the Middle East including Bahrain, Libya, Jordan, Yemen, Israel and Syria.Miami Airport ‐ Flight cancellations and delays are continuing at Miami International Airport afterWednesday’s fire. The fire had damaged pumps that are used to deliver fuel to trucks near the terminals and it is currently taking in the region of fifty percent longer to get the fuel to planes.

STRIKE NEWS Spain ‐ Threats to hold 22 days of action were called off when guarantees of job security and certain conditions were made. union members said that some 70% of their 10,000 members had decided to back down after the reassurances.  British Airways ‐ It’s a tense day for British Airways top brass as they await results of union Unite’s strike ballot, which concludes today. Thousands of union members have been voting over the past few weeks on whether to stage yet another series of strikes as the bitter battle between management and cabin crew continues. It is not thought that Unite will announce actual strike dates today, should the ballot show members  in favour of a walk‐out.  London Midland Trains – Only 3 routes operated on Sunday due to a dispute over drivers pay and there is likely to be further disruption to services today. Because there were so many trains out of action on Sunday, this has created a backlog in getting the systems up and running again. The service operates primarily on the west coast main line from London Euston and in the West Midlands region.  Philippines ‐ Transport groups are planning a nationwide strike on 31 March over rising fuel prices. The government say contingency plans are being readied to make sure that commuters will not suffer too much disruption. In Manila at least 200 public transport vehicles along with some 500 drivers are expected to join the strike along with some government employees. They are expected to gather at the Quezon Memorial Circle in the Quezon City and to ten proceed to Mendiola Bridge near Malacanang. Similar protests are also planned in Bacolod, Iloilo, Roxas and Cebu.

WEATHER Thailand ‐ Heavy rainfall has caused flooding along the southern coast of Thailand. Affected provinces include Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Surat Thani, Phattalung and part of Trang. Nakhon Sri Thammarat airport is temporarily closed and flights suspended due to runway flooding. Ferry services between Suratthai mainland /Samui Island/ Pha Ngan Island are disrupted. There is a risk of mudslides and flash flooding in these areas

HOT SPOTS 28 March China: Anniversary of deposing of Dalai Lama (Demonstrations mayoccur.) Libya: Public holiday 29 March Central African Republic: Boganda Day Chile: Youth Combatant Day (Outbreaks of violence traditionally occur.) Madagascar: Commemoration of 1947 colonial massacres (Peaceful public gatherings. Schools, offices and shopsclose early.)

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