A sweeping new US transportation bill would include added protections for customers who are “bumped” from their flights due to overbooking.

USA Today reported that the 21st Century Aviation Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization Act, requires the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish compensation policies for bumped passengers and prohibits airlines from bumping travellers who have already been seated on aircraft.

The measure, introduced by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster, Republican of Pennsylvania, would also set in motion the privatization of the US air-traffic control system.

“This bill is about giving all Americans the safe and efficient, 21st century aviation system they deserve while keeping America the leader in aviation,” Shuster said. “We have the busiest aviation system in the world, and though it’s safe, it’s also inefficient, costly, and unable to keep up with growing demand or developing technology.”

Bloomberg reported that the measure would also:

  • require airlines to post resources online for passengers stranded due to computer outages, including the availability of hotel and meal vouchers
  • make it easier for passengers to file online complaints against airlines
  • require commercial airports to provide nursing rooms for mothers
  • ban voice telephone calls on flights

faa.gov