Last week, New York’s State Passenger Bill of Rights was thrown out by the courts and politicians on both sides said they would do their best to pass a Passenger Bill of Rights on a federal level. I’ll keep you informed if anything happens on that front. However, in the meantime, I thought it would be fun to put together a Passenger Bill of Rights that really speaks to what travelers want. No politics, just some perks for the people. Now, I know the airlines won’t ever get on board with most of these (at least not for coach travelers), but sometimes it’s good to dream. Keep reading for the list of passenger rights my colleagues and I would love to see, and please submit your own ideas. We’ll do our best to keep the list updated…

The FareCompare Passenger Bill of Rights

1. Every passenger on a flight of 2 hours+ will receive a decent meal. Note: A bag of pretzels and a granola bar does not constitute a decent meal.
2. Elbow Room: I know some airlines will let you shell out extra money for added legroom, but what about keeping the guy next to me from jamming his elbow into my ribs for the duration of the flight?
3. A full can of Coke (or the soft drink of your choice): You get them sometimes, but how about getting a whole can of soda instead of just the ice-filled cup, every time?
4. All commercial airlines will supply lavatories that don’t look as though 137 people got there before you.
5. Overhead Storage for All! If you follow the minimum carry-on rules, you should have room to store your bag overhead instead of finding full compartments when you board. I know the blankets and pillows need their own space, but there has to be a better way.
6. If you’re stranded on the tarmac for more than 2 hours, the airline will provide you with two free airline tickets to anywhere in the world.
7. Each airline will provide a sectioned-off area for screaming children, delinquent parents, and that guy who won’t stop howling at the top of his lungs every time something funny happens in the movie he’s watching.
8. Speaking of Movies: Personal entertainment systems shall be provided to all travelers, and said systems shall feature movies that people actually might want to watch.
9. Pets Fly Free Day: Traveling with a pet can be a difficult and expensive experience, so it might be nice to let our hairy friends run free for free on one flight per year. (OK, it probably wouldn’t be nice for the cleaning crew.)
10. Every third round-trip on an airline guarantees you the Sky Mall product of your choice. (I have my eye on the Marshmallow Shooter.)

That’s where we stand for now. Please send your suggestions for a Passenger Bill of Rights that might make flying the friendly skies a little more bearable, and we’ll keep adding more.