Delayed. Photo montage by Sam Felder.

NAPA, Calif., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today travelers across the country headed to their airports only to find out they'd be held hostage to an FAA glitch. Flights over much of the Eastern United States were delayed because a computer that feeds flight plans to air controllers simply shut down. FlyersRights.org has been advocating for successful passage of the FAA Reauthorization Bill 2009, which would upgrade these antiquated systems to prevent these occurrences. But the bill has had more delays than the airlines have, and still languishes in the Senate. Until Congress realizes that we are more than cargo with a pulse, passengers will wait in hot stuffy aircraft, absent basic human needs.

In response, Kate Hanni, President of FlyersRights.org, decided to provide passengers with a list of items to help better prepare them for this inevitable occurrence in the future, pointing out that out that "consumers must advocate for themselves since there is NO law to protect them in the event of long on-ground delays caused by callous corporate indifference." Mrs. Hanni put together the following list:

1. Always pack your bags with 3-days worth of medications and at least one set of overnight clothing.
2. If you don't have a seat assignment when booking a flight, you don't have a seat at all and don't book it! Call FlyersRights.org if you already booked your ticket and don't have a seat assignment.
3. Pack light and carry on to avoid extra fees.
4. If you are bumped from a flight because they overbook it and are not offered bumping compensation, call FlyersRights.org at 1-877-359-3776 or log on to FlyersRights.org, and download our "Stranded Passenger Survival Guide". You may be owed $400 or $800 due to new overbooking rules.
5. Put a copy of your itinerary inside both your checked and carry-on luggage. Also if you are buying luggage for the holidays, buy colorful luggage that looks unique. 10,000 bags per month are lost. Don't let yours be one of them.

The bottom line is this: Call FlyersRights.org toll free at 1-877-359-3776 (1-877-flyers-6) about any air travel issues or needs. Or simply log on to FlyersRights.org and skype them from the plane if you are stuck inside an aircraft -- and they will get you off the plane!

Photo montage by Sam Felder

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