"perks of power"
WASHINGTON - Members of Congress have another advantage over the average air traveler. Many airlines allow them to book multiple flights for the same trip and pay only for the one they use, without any fees or penalties.
The only other air travelers who get such treatment from the airlines are the uber-frequent fliers.
Congress was close to losing this perk last month when the Air Transport Association opined that it violated a ban on gifts.
The Senate ethics committee quickly ruled that Senators could keep booking multiple flights without paying any fees and without fear of violating new tough ethics standards. For now only members can overbook without paying standard fines, but it's possible that congressional staff could get the perk.
Congressional watchdogs say the multiple bookings are another example of members of Congress taking benefits from industries they regulate as well as insulating themselves from the reality of their constituents.
hey wait, isn't ron paul a congressman???
WASHINGTON - Members of Congress have another advantage over the average air traveler. Many airlines allow them to book multiple flights for the same trip and pay only for the one they use, without any fees or penalties.
The only other air travelers who get such treatment from the airlines are the uber-frequent fliers.
Congress was close to losing this perk last month when the Air Transport Association opined that it violated a ban on gifts.
The Senate ethics committee quickly ruled that Senators could keep booking multiple flights without paying any fees and without fear of violating new tough ethics standards. For now only members can overbook without paying standard fines, but it's possible that congressional staff could get the perk.
Congressional watchdogs say the multiple bookings are another example of members of Congress taking benefits from industries they regulate as well as insulating themselves from the reality of their constituents.
hey wait, isn't ron paul a congressman???
