US House approves passenger rights legislation

WASHINGTON, Sept 20 (Reuters) - The U.S. government could force airline schedule changes if carriers aggravated delays by operating too many flights at peak periods at the busiest airports, according to legislation approved by the House of Representatives on Thursday.

The measure was a feature of a passenger rights amendment included in sweeping $68 billion legislation to fund Federal Aviation Administration operations between 2008 and 2011. The legislation also requires airlines to submit plans to federal transportation authorities on how to ensure passenger comfort and convenience during major ground delays.

Other provisions of the bill would reopen the disputed air traffic controllers contract for further negotiation; increase corporate jet fuel taxes from 21.8 cents to 35.9 cents per gallon; and increase the maximum passenger facility charge on a ticket from $4.50 to $7.

The Senate has yet to consider similar legislation. (Reporting by John Crawley)