To express the sense of Congress regarding airfares for members of the Armed Forces.

1. Adds SEC. 652. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON AIRFARES FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES on page 201, line 25

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   Inserted: SEC. 652. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON AIRFARES FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

   Inserted: (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:

   Inserted: (1) The Armed Forces is comprised of over 1,450,000 active-duty members from every State and territory of the United States who are assigned to thousands of installations, stations, and ships worldwide and who oftentimes must travel long distances by air at their own expense to enjoy the benefits of leave and liberty.

   Inserted: (2) The United States is indebted to the members of the all volunteer Armed Forces and their families who protect our Nation, often experiencing long separations due to the demands of military service and in life threatening circumstances.

   Inserted: (3) Military service often precludes long range planning for leave and liberty to provide opportunities for reunions and recreation with loved ones and requires changes in planning due to military necessity which results in last minute changes in planning.

   Inserted: (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--

   Inserted: (1) all United States commercial carriers should seek to lend their support with flexible, generous policies applicable to members of the Armed Forces who are traveling on leave or liberty at their own expense; and

   Inserted: (2) each United States air carrier, for all members of the Armed Forces who have been granted leave or liberty and who are traveling by air at their own expense, should--

   Inserted: (A) seek to provide reduced air fares that are comparable to the lowest airfare for ticketed flights and that eliminate to the maximum extent possible advance purchase requirements;

   Inserted: (B) seek to eliminate change fees or charges and any penalties for military personnel;

   Inserted: (C) seek to eliminate or reduce baggage and excess weight fees;

   Inserted: (D) offer flexible terms that allow members of the Armed Forces on active duty to purchase, modify, or cancel tickets without time restrictions, and to waive fees (including baggage fees), ancillary costs, or penalties; and

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   Inserted: (E) seek to take proactive measures to ensure that all airline employees, particularly those who issue tickets and respond to members of the Armed Forces and their family members are trained in the policies of the airline aimed at benefitting members of the Armed Forces who are on leave.

   Original wording

   On page 201, after line 25, add the following:

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As printed