Quick Links
Digg
news/2008/07/military_airline_farediscounts_071108w
Lawmaker to airlines: Cut troops a break
Posted : Monday Jul 14, 2008 9:23:01 EDT
A Pennsylvania congressman wants airlines to cut fares for service members on leave.
Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Pa., is sponsoring what he calls the Homecoming Help for Our Heroes Act, which not only would order reduced fares but also ease rules for getting standby seats.
Murphy said active-duty service members often get time off on short notice, so they don’t have much flexibility in their schedule or time to shop around for the cheapest fares — so they end up with expensive tickets and often lengthy delays trying to get home.
Congress has been trying to prod the airlines to give service members a break, passing resolutions in 2003 and again earlier this year that asked, but did not require, favorable treatment for the military.
Murphy said asking isn’t enough, so his bill, HR 6446, would require discounts and more flexibility.
“Congress has already asked the airlines to find ways to help our returning troops,” Murphy said in a statement. “With this legislation, Congress will require it. After all our men and women in uniform sacrifice for the good of our nation, they must not be charged excessive prices or forced to wait for days to get home to their families.”
The bill, introduced Wednesday, was referred to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which oversees the airline industry.
To have a chance of passage, Murphy will need a lot of support from other lawmakers. So far, he has only one cosponsor, fellow Pennsylvanian Rep. Jason Altmire, a Democrat.
Digg
Contests and Promotions
Service Members Of The Year
Your Vote Counts!The nomination period for the 2009 Military Times Service Members of the Year Award is closed? Return here the week of July 9th for the announcement of winners.
Win a Montague Paratrooper® Tactical Folding Mountain Bike
Enter To Win...Win the Grand Prize: Montague Paratrooper® Tactical Folding Mountain Bike. Originally crafted for the U.S. Special Forces. FIRST PRIZE: Leatherman Micra Multi-Tool. 50 Winners!
Marketplace
Military Times Gear Shop
TRU SPEC Fleece Jacket LinerDue to popular demand the 100% polyester micro fleece jacket liner for the Gen I H20 ECWCS Parka can now be purchased separately. Great by itself, this fleece will be a great addition in colder climates.
Price: $20.99
Military Discounts
Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.






