Dear Friends,

Flying can often be a stressful experience. I am working with my colleagues in Congress to improve airline customer service, upgrade airport amenities, and assist constituents with passport application delays.

If an airline cancels or delays your flight, they must adhere to their commitments to offer certain accommodations or compensation. At FlightRights.gov, you can check the Airline Customer Service Dashboard to know what options are available to you.

With federal infrastructure funding I helped secure in Congress, work is already underway to upgrade the terminal at Bradley Airport with a new checked baggage system, expanded passenger amenities, and more airline gate space for passengers.  

Last week, I voted for bipartisan aviation legislation that passed the House to improve the travel experience for customers and make flying more accessible for passengers with disabilities. Some of these improvements for customers include new requirements that airlines:

• reimburse passengers for hotel and meal costs due to cancelled or delayed flights, 
  
• develop plans to prevent and limit mass flight disruptions, 
  
• allow passengers to sit with young children when seats are available, 
  
• and refund passengers who book flights that cannot accommodate their mobility devices.   

If you are planning on traveling internationally, you should ensure your passport is up to date. I have heard from constituents facing unexpected delays due to the passport application backlog at the State Department. Current estimates times for routine passport renewals are up to 10-13 weeks, while expedited processing could take 7-9 weeks. To learn more about how to apply for a new passport or renew your passport, visit travel.state.gov. If you are facing unexpected delays, have a travel emergency, or need help communicating with the Passport Agency, please call my office at 860-278-8888. 

When traveling abroad, be sure to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to stay up to date with information about your destination and ensure the nearest U.S. Embassy can contact you in the event of an emergency.

To follow what I’m working on both in Washington and in Connecticut, visit my Facebook page, follow me on Twitter, or follow me on Instagram.     

Regards,

John B. Larson
Member of Congress